You might not think of them much, but your brakes save lives. Most motorists are vaguely aware that the brake pads need to be thick enough to help you stop effectively, but a vehicle’s braking system involves much more than just pads; it is a complex combination of parts that work together to make sure that you stop when you need to.
It is, therefore, vital that you take care of your brakes. Your mechanic will advise you on the predicted life span of your brakes when you take your vehicle for its service and MOT. However, it is a good idea for you to keep your brakes in mind and do what you can to reduce wear and tear. Here’s how.
1. Take it slowly
The faster you drive, the more likely you are to have to use your brakes to slow down. This naturally increases the wear on the brakes. And that’s not all; speeding is unsafe and against the law. Reduce your speed to increase your safety and the safety of others.
2. Keep it light
Heavy use on your brakes results in more wear. Pay attention to the road so that you can see potential hazards, speed restrictions or stop signs. If you can see that you will need to slow or stop, ease off the accelerator first, then gently apply pressure to the brakes to bring you to a gradual stop.
3. Take care
As always, prevention is better than cure. By taking your vehicle for regular services, your mechanic can inform you of possible issues that may arise before the next service. Ask for a full brake service, including topping up on brake fluid, and checking the condition of brake pads and other components.
4. Choose quality brake fluid
Brake fluid is a crucial part of your braking system, so you need to make sure that it is topped up when necessary. Ensure that your brake fluid is flushed out periodically, and replaced with top quality fluid to ensure that it will last for as long as possible.
5. Ease the burden
Have you ever tried stopping an over-laden shopping trolley suddenly? It takes a lot more effort and strength than an empty one! It's the same with vehicles: the heavier they are, the harder they are to manage, and the more power you need to make them stop. Removing excess weight from the boot can help to ease the strain on your brakes and help them to last longer.
If you are worried about the condition of your brakes, pop into your local garage and ask them to take a quick look; after all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.