Safe Driving Tips: Is It Time To Replace Your Brakes?

28 November 2015
 Categories: , Blog

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Maintaining your brakes is important to keep you safe while you are driving, as well as giving you maximum control of your ride. But just like any other compartment in your car, your brakes need a little care. The following guide will offer a few driving tips to help keep your brakes in good condition and signs that your brakes may need to be replaced. 

Signs Of Bad Brakes

Automobile accidents can occur for several reasons, like improperly inflated tires or bad weather, but bad brakes could be a factor as well. The following are some signs that may be warning you that your brakes need to be replaced:

  • You might hear a squeal when you press on your brakes, and this sound may increase as your brakes worsen. The squeal usually emits from a small shim within your tires, which is called an indicator. 
  • Pay attention to how responsive your brakes are, because bad brakes will force you to press down harder on the pedal.
  • The vehicle might pull to the left or to the right when you press down on your brakes, which may indicate worn brakes.
  • You might feel strong vibrations, especially when you are attempting to stop the car. 

Talk to your brake system specialist should you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms. 

Safe-Brake Driving Tips

You probably know to change your brake fluid periodically, as the fluid helps lubricate the brake system, keeping your brakes in good condition. But you can do much more for your brakes, so consider the following techniques to help make sure your vehicle's brakes last as long as they were intended to:

  • Avoid driving too fast, because stopping your car at high speeds can eat up your brake's padding quickly.
  • Keep a safe distance from other vehicles while driving (you can use the 3 second rule). This should prevent you from braking so often.
  • Try to stop your vehicle using the halt and go method, which is just slowly pressing on your brakes and letting go. Let your vehicle slow down gradually, and gently press on your brakes again.
  • Avoid riding your brakes while you drive.

You can talk to your brake specialist about other things that you can do to prolong the life of your brakes or any other question that you may have regarding your brakes. But, as you can see,  extending the life of your brakes can be done with a few tips. Contact a center like Alaskan Auto Center Inc for more information.