Suggestions to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brake Pads

Many people are staying home more during the quarantines imposed by Covid. Still, they need to be vigilant about their vehicle maintenance. One item that is often discussed is brake pad replacement. While it isn’t the most expensive repair on the maintenance list, it would be nice to know that we did everything we could to keep our brake pads longer.

Where Do Your Drive

The first aspect of your brake maintenance may be where you live. This is something to keep in mind when shopping for used cars. There are some conditions that lead to brake deterioration faster than others.

Here are some examples of how that will affect your brake pads. If you live in a hilly or mountainous area, you are putting extra stress on your brakes as you slow your vehicle on inclines.. This will speed up their wear and tear. If you are in an urban area, you will wear out your brake pads quicker because there are more red-lights and more traffic. Still there are strategies for these and other situations that may reduce wear and tear, allowing you to delay that maintenance longer.

Curb Your Driving Enthusiasm

If you drive fast, you are asking to wear out your brakes faster. Faster drivers are called upon to stop faster simply because their speed may be too high for traffic conditions. If you regulate your speed to match the traffic, you will not need to slam on brakes as often. In fact, you may cut your wear and tear in half, just by slowing down.

How Close Do You Drive

Driving too close to the vehicle ahead will wear out your brakes faster. You can be going the same speed as the traffic, but if you don’t allow yourself much stopping room, you will need to brake harder. If you give yourself a three-car distance or more between you and the leader vehicle, you can stop with less effort. This will mean less brake pad wear. Those who have automatic driving features should make sure to set their adaptive cruise control for the maximum car lengths apart.

When Do You Drive

If you can leave a little earlier from home or a little later from work, will the traffic be less dense? It can be hard (or impossible) to avoid heavy traffic. However, if you find ways to that, you are reducing the stress on your brakes. Congested roads invite more braking. If the traffic thins, there is less cause for hitting the brakes.

Lighten Your Load

If you are in the mountains, it is especially important to lighten your load whenever possible. Does your truck need those heavy tools in the bed? Does your SUV need all that sports gear in the cargo hold? Why do you carry boxes in your car trunk every day? You can lighten your load by simply removing items that cause drag. This will reduce how much weight that your brakes need to stop. This, in turn, reduces wear and tear. It’s also good for your gas mileage.

Avoid Dusty and Dirty Roads

While this is not always possible, it is important to remember that brake pads take on a layer of gunk when they encounter dusty or dirty conditions. A car wash that keeps your undercarriage clean should take care of cleaning off your brake pads. Like any other useful object, brake pads work better when they aren’t covered in grit.

A word of caution, however. If your brakes are making a loud whining noise, this is a sign that brake pads need to be replaced. No matter how careful you are, there will come a day when that vital maintenance must be performed.