Every part of your vehicle needs to be in the best condition to operate efficiently, and car brakes are no exception. Maintaining your brakes helps ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers, as well as other drivers on the road. It will also extend the life span of your vehicle and its components, saving you money in the long run. The guide below highlights what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to keeping your brakes in proper working order.

Do:

Schedule regular services.

Have your brakes serviced every six months — it makes sense to do it when you change out your tires for summer and winter. During these appointments, mechanics will perform essential work, such as flushing brake fluid and realigning the caliper. This ensures your brakes work well and last as long as they should.

Control your speed.

Using the brakes to slow down quickly from high speeds is the biggest cause of brake pad wear and tear. Brake pads turn energy into heat, and the process takes its toll on the parts every time you perform a heavy stop. Keeping your speed under control will extend the life of these pads.

Don’t:

Start and stop too much.

Starting and stopping repeatedly will wear out your brake pads before the end of their expected life span. You should always use your brakes when you need them, but it’s best to coast instead of braking whenever possible. For example, try to observe traffic up ahead to see if vehicles are slowing down. You can then coast to a stop instead of braking.

Wait too long for repairs.

If you think there is something wrong with your brakes, visit an auto repair shop as soon as possible, even if you have regular maintenance scheduled. Waiting too long will damage your vehicle even more and put you in danger. Warning signs include the car pulling to one side when the brake pedal is depressed, a shuddering steering wheel, and brakes reacting slowly.

To keep your car brakes safe and efficient, visit Dirk's Auto Repair in Lincoln, NE, for services, maintenance, and fixes. In business since 1995, the trusted auto repair shop offers everything from oil changes and timing belt replacement to diagnostics and transmission services. To schedule an appointment, call (402) 466-6010 or visit their website.