Your vehicle’s brakes are one of its most important safety features, and you need to know that they are always in good condition. When you’ve invested in new brakes, you can make the most of them by actively prolonging their life span. Follow the brake service and care guide below to help them last as long as possible.

How to Maximize Your New Brakes

1. Know When to Get Brake Service

Routine maintenance and timely repairs are important in maximizing the life span of your brakes and driving safely. Brake pads generally need to be replaced every 50,000 miles, with a flush around every 30,000 miles, but you can discuss a more personalized schedule with a mechanic. Know the signs of trouble, such as strange noises or a shaking steering wheel, so you can take it in right away for brake service.

2. Don’t Use Your Left Foot

Riding the brakes occurs when you rest your left foot on the brake pedal while driving. This is a quick way to wear the pads. It keeps the pad hot while driving, which can cause warping. The pad needs to cool down between braking while you drive, but that light pressure prevents it from doing so. Keep your left foot off of the pedal completely, so you never accidentally push the accelerator and brake at the same time.

3. Avoid High-speed Stops

When you brake suddenly from a high speed, it requires a lot more friction to stop than if you are at a slower speed. Try to avoid slamming on the brakes. You can do this by giving yourself plenty of following distance behind the car in front of you, moving at the speed of traffic, and coasting to a stop when you see a stop sign or red light ahead.

With the help of an auto repair shop, you can keep your brakes—and everything else—in good condition. Muffler Brothers has been serving the drivers of Chillicothe, Ross County, and southern Ohio for more than 18 years with everything from brake service to oil changes. You can always trust you’ll get efficient service at an affordable price. Visit the Jasper^®-preferred dealer online or call (740) 772-1890 to schedule brake service for your vehicle.