Brakes eventually wear out and need to be replaced, which is why Budget Brakes is in business. However, as a driver there are some strategic things you can do to increase the life of your brakes.
Speed Kills. Stops from high speed are the mortal enemy of brakes. And a little more speed hurts more than you can imagine. Stopping from 65 mph rather than 55 forces the brakes to dissipate about a third more energy.
No Lefties. Only use your right foot on the brake pedal. By braking with only your right foot, you’ll avoid simultaneously pushing both pedals.
Be a Coaster. Coasting is a surprisingly easy way to get rid of a lot of brake-killing speed. If you know you’ll have to stop at the end of a freeway off-ramp, coasting from 70 down to 50 before you brake will significantly reduce brake wear.
Memory Factor. Memorize places where other drivers inappropriately slow down. Examples include hills and gentle freeway bends that many mistake for hairpin turns. Often, you’ll have to coast down to their pace. Plan ahead and you might be able to change lanes around them. They’ll re-pass you on the next downhill or straightaway, but you will have used less brakes and gas.
Look Up and Save. Look far enough ahead and you’ll be able to correctly time stoplights, notice traffic backing up or see cars slowing on an incline that’s just become visible. Look beyond the next traffic signal and check out the one after that.
Don’t Join In. Many drivers brake just because the guy in front did, and sometimes the first driver touched his brake for no good reason. It’ll take a bit of practice to learn to coast when others brake inappropriately, especially if you weren’t looking far enough ahead.
Lose Some Weight. Don’t carry unnecessary stuff. Math majors will point out that this won’t make a big difference unless you’re hauling those barbells you keep forgetting to drop off at Goodwill. Consider vehicle weight before your next purchase. A heavier vehicle is harder on brakes, tires and gas.
Flush It. Brake fluid needs to be periodically changed. In mechanic-speak it’s called bleeding and flushing. Renew your brake fluid, especially if you have an older vehicle or one you purchased used. You gain nothing if you save brake material but the insides of the system rot away. Flushing the brake fluid will make the internal components last longer and the brakes work better. Brake fluid naturally attracts water.
In an emergency stop or after repeated brake applications, this moisture boils and severely reduces braking effectiveness. Moisture also promotes internal corrosion, which ruins critical rubber seals. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend renewing brake fluid every couple of years. While there are mechanics that challenge its cost-effectiveness, brake bleeding is an inexpensive, easy task for a do-it-yourselfer.
Be Frugal, Not Foolish. Trying to extend brake life too long will cost big money. If metal touches metal, frugality becomes foolish. A good time to inspect brake material thickness is when you have your tires rotated. Novice do-it-yourselfers: With a wheel removed, it’s easy to check disc brake pad thickness, as they’re open for viewing. It’s more difficult with drum brakes because the drum has to be removed.