Brakes 101 - How to Keep Your Brakes Performing Their Best

Bad brakes can grind, scrape and underperform when you need them the most. If your brakes are getting less responsive, it may be time to replace them. After you purchase your brakes and other car parts online, you want them to last. Here are some basic tips and helpful reminders to keep your brakes in top condition and improve their lifespan.

Driving Tips

On the road, it’s important to drive gently. Road rage is a leading cause of brake damage. Forceful braking is not only dangerous to other drivers, but erodes your brake pads quickly.

Pick out an object on the side of the ride that’s even with a car you’re following. If you pass that object in less than three seconds, you’re following too closely. Tailing a car too closely not only increases the chance of an accident, it also means you’ll need to apply your brakes far more forcefully than necessary to come to a stop. Defensive driving is the best way to keep your brakes in excellent condition as you drive.

Preventative Maintenance

While in the garage, there’s a few things you can do to help prevent excessive brake wear. First, check your brake fluid levels to ensure they are within the recommended range. Because minerals can build up in your brake fluid, you’ll also need to completely replace the fluid every 2 years or 25,000 miles. 

While you’re topping up your brake fluid, inspect the lines, master cylinder, calipers and brake pads. Brake lines can crack and leak, causing you to lose essential brake fluid.

Keep Your Brakes Performing Their Best

Defensive driving and checking your brakes are just a few ways you can improve the life and performance of your vehicle. Don’t forget other essential preventative maintenance steps, like checking your oil, battery and tire pressure. Whether you need to rent a car battery charger or top up your brake fluid, shop online or at your local auto parts store to keep up with your preventative maintenance.