How to Take Care of Your Brakes
It goes without saying that brakes are the most vital component of any vehicle. If they’re worn down or damaged and suddenly fail to do their job, it could place you and other drivers in a very dangerous situation. Without routine maintenance, it could end up costing a lot of money to repair or replace them. If you’re wondering how to take care of your brakes to stay safe, here are some keys tips to remember.
Get an Inspection Every Year
A little bit of consistent maintenance and care can go a long way when it comes to keeping your vehicle in good condition and extending its lifespan. This includes inspecting the brakes at least once each year. When you take your car in to your mechanic for routine maintenance, make sure they take an in-depth look at the brakes. Getting this done annually can help to uncover any potential issues before they escalate into something serious and more costly.
Pay Attention to Your Speed
If you have a tendency to drive at higher speeds, this can impact your brakes more than anything else since it requires extra energy and effort for the brakes to stop the vehicle. Try to reduce your speed so you can coast along and allow the vehicle to gently slow down before hitting the brakes.
Make Sure to Only Use One Foot
Though you may think it improves response times, driving with both feet increases the risk of brake riding. This happens when a slight amount of pressure is placed on the brakes continuously. Brake riding can end up damaging both the pads and rotor, so always make sure to only use one foot to accelerate and brake.
Keep Your Distance
Navigating to and from the city can equate to a lot of stop-and-go driving which can wear down the brakes quickly. To reduce any adverse effects on the brake pads, maintain a good amount of distance from the vehicle in front so you can coast along and minimize the number of times you need to press the brake pedal. This is especially important to do during the winter season.
Pay Attention to Them
Taking proper care of your vehicle means paying attention to it. If you hear strange noises, or if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. These red flags can indicate an underlying problem. Getting any issues addressed early can prevent you from paying a lot more out of pocket.
To take care of your brakes, follow these tips. And when it’s time to have them inspected, schedule a service with us at Ottawa Honda.