Nobody will argue that brakes are one of the most important systems on a vehicle. You rely on your brakes to keep you safe while on the road. Brake replacements aren’t for the faint of heart. They can be costly. Thankfully, we here at Meadows Automotive have a few tips that we’d like to share with you to extend the life of your brakes.
Slow Down
You wear your brakes down quickly when you drive fast and brake hard. Don’t be a lead foot. Even an increase from 55 mph to 65 mph makes a difference. It takes one-third more energy to stop a vehicle going 65 mph. Reduce your vehicle’s kinetic energy – its motion – and drive slower. Coasting also helps reduce your speed and saves brake pads and shoes.
Use Your Right Foot
Don’t ride the brakes with your left foot, either. Always remove your right foot from the accelerator and use it to stop your vehicle. When you drive with two feet, you don’t realize how much pressure you place and keep on the brake pedal with your left foot, and the action of braking while driving wreaks havoc on the brake system.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
You know you should always be aware of your surroundings while behind the wheel, so minimize distractions. Pay attention to the drivers around you, especially those far ahead. If you see them begin to slow down or you know you’re approaching a spot on the freeway that backs up each morning, coast or downshift to slow your vehicle so you brake at a lower speed.
Pay attention to road signs, traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and other things that might require you to slow down and/or stop. The sooner you can see that you need to stop, the more time you have to slow your vehicle down without using the brakes. Always keep an eye on the drivers in front of you, too. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you need to slam on the brakes.
Reduce Vehicle Weight
Yes, everyone weighs down their vehicles during the harsh Michigan winters to prevent slipping on icy roads, but when you don’t need extra weight don’t use it. Keep your vehicle’s weight down as much as possible. It’s simple physics. The more your automobile weighs, the harder it is to stop it. Don’t go crazy with heavy aftermarket upgrades and clean out your trunk.
Let Us Maintain Your System
Finally, your brakes require regular maintenance just like the rest of your car, SUV or truck does. Meadows Automotive in Waterford Township, MI, are brake experts. We opened our shop in 2017 and take pride in serving our community. We are family-owned and operated, and we’d be happy to inspect your brake system. Give us a call or stop by today!
