It doesn’t take an auto expert to know that it’s extremely dangerous to drive a car with bad or worn out brakes. Not only does it pose an inherent threat to a driver’s safety, but it can also lead to costly repairs in other areas of the car, especially if bad brakes lead to a collision. While the importance of maintaining your brakes is easily understood, many people put off necessary repairs or replacements because of the cost. It’s no secret that brake repairs can sometimes be costly, so use the following steps to enjoy longer stretches of time between gambling on your safety with bad brakes.
1. Avoid High Speeds
In Michigan, there are very few areas where you can drive on long stretches of road without having to stop. As such, drivers who feel the need to speed put greater strain on their brakes when they need to stop or slow their car abruptly. The more often your car has to slow down quickly from a high speed, the faster your brakes will wear out. So, if you’re a driver who doesn’t want to spend money to replace your brake pads or have other services performed, it’s best to keep your speeds within the legal limit.
2. Drive Your Right Foot
Surprisingly, a number of people drive with both their right and left feet. This almost always leads to periods of time when both pedals are compressed. If you’re one of these drivers who tends to ride your brakes, understand that you’re putting unnecessary stress on your brakes. Driving with only your right foot is not only safer, but it will also lengthen the lifespan of your brakes.
3. Look Ahead
If you make a habit out of monitoring the behavior of the first few cars ahead of you, you can anticipate slowdowns and reduce the need to slam on your breaks or slow down very suddenly. Over time, these types of stops put significant strain on the brakes, so looking ahead will help you take advantage of every opportunity to slow gradually.
These tips will help you get the most life out of your brakes, but there will eventually come a time when they need service or replacement. When you find yourself in that position, place your trust in the experts at AA Muffler & Brakes. Contact us to schedule an appointment, and enjoy our exceptional service and lowest price guarantee!