If you just purchased your first vehicle, you are likely to be excited about taking it out on the road to get to your destinations with ease. It is important to be aware of signs of brake wear so you are not left in a situation where you are unable to get your vehicle to stop safety. Here are some ways to keep your vehicle's brakes in the best of condition so they last for a long time and you can minimize your need for brake replacement.
Keep On Top Of Your Brake Fluid Level
If your vehicle does not have enough brake fluid in the reservoir, your vehicle is at risk for not being able to stop properly. When you engage the brake pedal, the brake fluid makes its way to the brake pads, helping the brakes to do their job. A lack of fluid will make it harder for your vehicle to stop as there will be no lubrication present in the brake area when you press upon your pedal. You may find your vehicle hesitates a bit when your brake fluid is low. Make it a priority to check all fluids in your vehicle each month so you always have an adequate supply readily available.
Watch Your Driving Habits
If you make it a habit to stomp on your brakes to come to a completely stop, they are bound to wear out early. It is best to avoid last-second braking when you get to a stop sign or traffic light. Instead, press down on the brake pedal a few seconds before you wish to stop, increasing the amount of pressure you apply as you get closer to the stopping point. This will gently ease your vehicle to a stop rather than putting excessive pressure on the brakes when you use them.
Know When To Get Service
It is best to have routine checks of your vehicle done to ensure your brakes are working properly. While this is usually done during a state inspection, asking your mechanic to check your brake pads for wear when you get an oil change in addition to your yearly inspection appointment will aid in keeping brakes in the best possible condition. This will help you to avoid the possibility of needing to repair your rotors in addition to getting new brakes. If brakes wear down too much, the rotors will not have a protective cushioning to keep them from becoming worn themselves. This is an expensive repair that can be avoided with regular brake checks.
Share24 June 2017
My grandfather and I used to spend hours in the garage working on his old '57 Chevy. We had so many great times working on it together trying to restore it to its original beauty. Unfortunately, before we could complete the project, my grandfather passed away. I inherited the car and wanted to do my best to restore it in honor of him. Since my schedule is more hectic than it once was, I decided to enlist the help of a auto restoration professional. Visit my blog to see the step-by-step progress that we are making and to learn a few tips that can help you get through your restoration process more easily.