Brake repair and maintenance services can often restore these mechanical devices to good working condition after they are damaged. However, by making some changes to how you drive, you can prevent much of the wear and tear in the first place. To maintain your car and help protect your safety on the road, consider implementing some of the following suggestions.

How to Preserve Your Brakes

1. Slow Down

Pay attention to the speed limit and keep pace with traffic rather than speeding and bringing your vehicle to fast stops. Hard braking requires your car to exert extra energy that stresses the related components, shortening their expected life span.

2. Check Your Fluid

Get in the habit of performing routine brake fluid checks. If the liquid is dark, make an appointment to have the system flushed out, since all parts need to remain lubricated for you to be able to come to a safe stop. If this step is not completed regularly, it could result in brake failure which, in the best case scenario, will require brake repairs and, in the worst case scenario, result in an accident.

3. Learn to Coast

Learn to coast rather than braking unnecessarily. Many drivers brake because the cars in front of them do, causing a chain slowdown. However, as long as you do not speed or tailgate, you can save these parts from unnecessary harm.

4. Decrease Vehicle Weight

Remove anything in your trunk and cabin that you do not need, such as seasonal equipment or items you wish to donate. Extra weight makes your vehicle work harder, including the braking system.

5. Know the Failure Warning Signs

Get your brake pads checked once a year and learn the warning signs of imminent system failure, such as screeching and grinding noises, a “spongy” brake pedal, burning odors, and the car pulling to one side when you stop. These symptoms require immediate brake repair.

Schedule brake repair and maintenance with the friendly and experienced team at Auto Quality Sales & Service to maintain a safe and reliable vehicle. These experts have proudly served Columbus and Platte, NE, as well as the surrounding areas for over 20 years, and remain celebrated for their honest, affordable services. Call the facility today at (402) 564-7360 to schedule a free estimate or learn more about their offerings online.