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Brakes are some of the most important safety features in a vehicle, so smart drivers prioritize keeping them in great condition. Most brake pads last between 25,000 to 65,000 miles, and where yours lie within this range depends on how well you maintain them—and also how you drive. Use each of the strategies below to slow the wear to your pads, drive safely, and maximize your investment.

Smart Driving Habits for Longer-Lasting Brakes

1. Don’t Use Your Left Foot

The only time a driver should use their left foot when driving is for the clutch. If your transmission is automatic, it can relax the whole drive. Resting your left foot on the brake pedal means that you’re constantly applying a light amount of pressure on your pads. This wears them out much too quickly and wastes gas as your car works against itself. Retrain yourself to use only your right foot as you drive.

2. Coast

Coasting saves your pads and your gas, so do this when it’s safe. Memorize the places you drive most often and coast when you can. For example, you can take your foot off the gas if you know that light a block ahead will be turning red soon or a downhill slope is coming up. When you get on a freeway off-ramp, take your foot off the gas to coast to a stop rather than maintaining your speed right up until the stop sign at the end. Stopping from higher speeds wears down your brakes much more quickly.

3. Move With Traffic

brakesTraffic during your commute is tough on your brakes. By avoiding speeding and making sure you move with the flow of traffic, you’ll avoid the need to constantly speed up and slow down. Give yourself plenty of following distance—at least two or three car lengths—so you never need to slam on the pedal.

 

The team at Cookeville Tire & Auto is dedicated to maintaining safe and reliable cars for the drivers of Tennessee. They offer a full range of auto repair and maintenance services—from tires to brakes to all engine needs. Their mechanics guarantee their work with a two-year warranty on parts and labor for your peace of mind and protection. Learn more on their website or call (931) 526-9022 to schedule an estimate at their shop in Cookeville, TN.

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