One of the most significant components of vehicle safety is a car with well-functioning brakes. Experts at Top Line Performance, an auto repair shop in Huntington Beach CA, say that most brakes decline in performance around 25,000 miles; however, they can be made faulty even quicker if they are not properly maintained. When driving with ineffective brakes, you risk severe damages to yourself, your passengers, and your car. This could create serious, and expensive, problems in the future. So, in order to preserve the integrity of your brake performance, there are a few factors to keep in mind. 

Auto repair shops frequently see brake wear and tear as a result of temperature changes, poor-quality brake pads, and bad driving habits. All of these elements can impact the longevity of car brakes. Typically, brake inspections happen every six months (around the time when your tires are rotated). However, you can ask to have a brake inspection if you start to notice any changes in their performance or see a warning light on your car. 

Here are some of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your car brakes: 

Conscious Driving

According to Top Line Performance, an auto repair expert in Huntington Beach, our brakes can experience strain with quick acceleration and then immediate braking. The best way to avoid this is to drive more moderately. The faster you go on the streets, the more brake power you’ll need to stop your vehicle. So, try to allow more space between yourself and other vehicles so that you have enough time to slow down without hitting the brakes too hard. 

Less Cargo 

Many people don’t realize that the more weight they carry in their car, the more impact will be felt on their brake pads. So, if you are constantly carrying around heavy equipment, then you should be aware that your brakes may need to be replaced more often. If you can, travel light with only the essentials!

Avoid Brake Riding 

Believe it or not, there are some bad driving habits that can deteriorate your brake performance faster. Brake riding is a technique in which drivers press the brake pedal with one foot while pushing the gas pedal with their other foot. It is a common method of driving in professional sports racing. However, this has no place in commuter or work vehicles and can severely damage the brakes. Auto repair shop technicians recommend putting your car in a lower gear when coasting downhill and applying the brakes softly with only one foot. 

Maintenance

In order to maintain the performance of your car, schedule frequent service appointments at your local independent auto shop. You can search “car repair near me” to learn what shops have the best reputation for newer, older, and vintage car repairs. Make sure that your auto shop has certified technicians like those in Top Line Performance who have a plethora of experience working with your make and model. They can conduct regular brake fluid and brake pad checks as well as an overall inspection of your car’s performance. These appointments will help prevent brake failure in the future and keep your car running smoothly.