These 7 habits of car owners are awfully damaging their brakes

Brakes are supposed to stand a test of quite a long time but it could be worn out easily if you have the following habits. Stop doing these awful things below to save your brake and also your wallet. This article on Philkotse.com today will give you helpful car brake maintenance knowledge. 

1. Not extending the view to far ahead

Concentrate on the area where you will be driving in about 10 seconds to plan your next moves. Also, keep your position far enough from other cars so if someone were to suddenly stop or swerve, you could react instantly.

Keep your position far enough from other cars so if someone were to suddenly stop or swerve, you could react instantly​

2. Loading your car with unnecessary things

The more a car weighs, the harder the brakes operate and the more pad material is burned off. Try to list out every essential thing you need on a car and get rid of the rest, so your car wouldn't have to carry more weight than it has to. And maybe it's time to dispel the extra bacon.

The more a car weighs, the harder the brakes operate and the more pad material is burned off

3. Braking with the left foot

Some drivers have the habit of using their left foot to operate the pedal brake. There is nothing wrong with that except that those drivers are the ones who tend to push the pedal brake and the accelerator pedal at the same time with the other foot. Unless you wish to muster turbo boost like what a professional car racer does, otherwise, always use your right foot for both the brake and the accelerator.

You should always use your right foot for both the accelerator and the brake

4. Driving at high speeds

Suddenly slowing down your car while driving at high speeds will exert tremendous force on the brakes and burn off way more pad material than supposed to. Try to drive at a more gentle pace and lay off the accelerator if possible. 

Suddenly slowing down your car while driving at high speeds will exert tremendous force on the brakes

5. Neglecting the brake fluid

Irregular brake fluid changes can inflict damage to the brake lines. Old brake fluid draws moisture, which might wear down the pistons, brake lines, and master cylinder. This deterioration will gradually damage the seals, leading to poorer, if not entirely lost, braking power. It is advisable to have the brake fluid changed annually or at least every 3 quarters for your own safety.

Irregular brake fluid changes can inflict damage to the brake lines

>>> Related: Car pulling to one side when braking: 6 possible causes

6. Not making use of coasting

Coasting is a term used to describe the action of letting your vehicle slide freely using built-up momentum, without stepping on the brakes or the accelerator. Some people just feel the need to rest their feet on either the brake or the accelerator pedal when driving. In fact, there are times when you should use neither of those. Just notice stops from afar and allows the car to glide and slow down naturally via wind resistance and road friction. This will naturally decelerate your vehicle, thus saving valuable friction material on your brakes.

This will naturally decelerate your vehicle, thus saving valuable friction material on your brakes

7. Abusing the brake use

New drivers tend to step on the brakes the moment they see the lit-up taillights of a car ahead of them. Try to let go of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, instead, feel the momentum of your car to drive more efficiently next time.

Hopefully you have learnt helpful things for car brake maintenance from our post.

>>> Read more tips for car brakes on Philkotse.com:

• How to make your brakes last longer?
• Do’s and Don’ts when car brakes fail