Few automotive components have a more significant impact on your safety than your brakes. A little preventive maintenance and smart driving habits will help you avoid unnecessary brake repair and replacement. Use the three tips below to keep this essential vehicle component in top shape. 

How to Avoid Brake Repair & Replacement

1. Reduce Speed

Practicing defensive driving is one of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your brakes. The faster you drive, the more friction must be applied to your brakes to slow your vehicle. Driving at lower speeds and coasting to slow down — when possible and consistent with safety — will reduce unnecessary wear and tear on your system.

2. Lighten the Load

The heavier your vehicle is, the more force will be required to bring it to a full stop. As such, it’s a good idea to remove any unneeded items from your trunk. Other than a small emergency kit, a spare tire, and any items you need on your current trip, remove all other objects from the trunk and back seat. In addition to helping your brakes, this will also improve your gas mileage.

3. Keep Up on Maintenance

Following maintenance guidelines will help you avoid significant brake repair. As part of your standard upkeep, flush your brake fluid every 30,000 miles to improve brake performance. You should also pay attention to the thickness of your brake pads. Most need to be replaced after about 50,000 miles. Get a mechanic to inspect the pads so they can be replaced before damage to the rotor occurs.

Whether you need brake repair and replacement or wheel alignment, Safe Auto Service in New Haven County, CT, has you covered. In business for over 38 years, their ASE®-certified technicians offer a one-year or 12,000 mile warranty on all work. To learn more about what this auto repair shop will do for your vehicle, visit them online or call (203) 237-4311.