Everyone knows that your car’s brakes are essential to keeping you safe on the road, but many drivers might not know that your driving habits often determine how long your brakes last. Check out these tips to help extend the life of your brakes.
Practice Coasting
Sudden, hard braking is one of the worst things you can do to your brakes. While hard braking is sometimes unavoidable, coasting when you can will save your brake pads. Coasting just means that you take your foot off the gas and let the vehicle slow down on its own before you apply the brakes. Look ahead for stop signs and traffic lights so you can coast before using the brakes to come to a complete stop.
Keep Your Distance
If you stay with the flow of traffic and keep the appropriate distance from the car in front of you, you’ll use the brakes less often. Maintaining a good distance from the vehicle in front of you also means you won’t have to press hard on the brakes when they slow down.
Lighten Up the Load
The heavier your vehicle, the harder the brakes have to work. If you have a trunk full of gear, it makes the car weigh more, which means the brakes have a larger kinetic load to bring to a stop. Remove the stuff you don’t need in the vehicle to extend the life of your brake pads.
Changing a few driving habits can extend the life of your brakes. Follow these tips, and you’ll see a difference.


