Your brakes are vital, and ensuring they are in working order is crucial for driving safely every time. There are some driving habits that will affect how long your brakes will last and how quickly you will need auto repair. Below are a few tips to remember.

How to Make Your Brakes Last Longer

1. Slow Down Before Braking

Since your vehicle’s momentum will continue while traveling at higher speeds, it’ll require more pressure on the brakes to slow down and come to a complete stop. This excess effort will wear down your brake pads more quickly. Keep a steady pace at the road’s posted speed limits to avoid taxing your braking system in case you have to make a sudden stop.

2. Maintain a Safe Distance

Avoid driving too closely to the car in front of you since you’ll have to hit your brakes more frequently if they decide to reduce their speed constantly. Even repeated gentle tapping causes premature wear to your pads since you have to apply pressure more suddenly and aggressively. Backing up also lowers the risk of having to slam on your brakes if the car in front stops short. 

3. Try Coasting Prior to Stopping

Coasting entails taking your foot off the gas and letting the car reduce speed on its own before engaging the brake for a full stop. While this isn’t advised for highways and doesn’t work in an emergency, it does save your brakes every time you approach a stop sign or traffic light. Coasting reduces the heat and friction that occurs when you hit the brakes aggressively.

4. Remove Sources of Extra Weight

More weight is more pressure on your braking system. Avoid making your vehicle too heavy with luggage, boxes, equipment, and other items. Also, be mindful of any upgrades you make, specifically electrical components like aftermarket sound systems. Heavier cars require more time and pressure to slow down, so keep your vehicle as light as possible.  

For auto repair in Lindstrom, MN, head over to Wally Carlson & Sons BP. Their professional auto technicians bring more than 30 years of experience to every customer. From tire rotations to brake repair, everything your car needs is covered, so you are back on the road in no time. You can also get gasoline at their fuel station. To make an auto repair appointment, call (651) 257-2476, or visit their website to check out upcoming events.