As a vital part of your vehicle’s braking system, well-maintained brake pads are essential for safety and performance. Understanding how to look after your brake pads can extend their lifespan and prevent potential issues. By following these tips, you can save money on unnecessary repairs and drive confidently, knowing your brake pads are in excellent shape.
Control your Speed
Making complete stops at high speeds is a major cause of premature brake pad wear. The faster you go, the more wear your brake pads experience exponentially. For example, coming to a stop from 105 kph instead of 85 kph requires the brakes to dissipate 33% more energy.
Brake pads convert energy into heat. When more energy needs to be dissipated, it leads to quicker wear. By slightly reducing your speed, you can significantly save on brake pad wear and prolong their lifespan.
Don’t ‘Two-Foot’ your Pedals
One important rule is to avoid ‘two-footing’ pedals. Tapping the pedal with your left foot while keeping your right foot on the accelerator is a bad practice. This leads to unnecessary “brake taps” that don’t actually stop your car; instead, they cause premature wear. Using only one foot for each pedal is best to ensure efficient braking.
Coast Whenever you can
Pay more attention to the traffic flow and slowed-down or stopped cars ahead of you. Try coasting to reduce your speed instead of braking abruptly.
For instance, when going uphill and approaching stopped cars, there’s no need to brake before reaching the top. Instead, coast up the hill and naturally decrease your speed, then use the brakes when necessary.
Similarly, on freeway off-ramps, try coasting from 120 kph to 80 kph, and then gently apply the brakes to slow down further. It’s a simple way to be mindful of your braking habits and preserve the health of your brakes.
Keep the Car as Light as Possible
Usually, people don’t keep heavy objects in their cars. However, that extra weight can add up if you carry a lot of stuff. This increased weight creates a larger kinetic load that your brake pads must handle when you come to a stop.
It’s not just about the objects you carry. Body panels, wheels, aftermarket stereo systems, and other customizations can also make your car heavier, leading to shorter brake pad life. So, be mindful of the weight you add to your car and its potential impact on your brake pads.
Flush your Brakes Regularly
It’s important to bleed and flush your brakes every two years, especially if your car is older. This maintenance task makes the internal components work longer and helps improve your brakes’ effectiveness.
Brake fluid has a natural tendency to attract water. When you use the brakes repeatedly or engage in emergency braking, this moisture can cause the brake fluid to “boil,” leading to reduced braking performance. Additionally, moisture can cause internal corrosion, which can shorten the lifespan of rubber seals and other essential brake components.