Automotive brakes can last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. While professional brake service is an important way to protect them, your daily driving habits can also have a major impact on how long your brakes last and how effective they are. Here are some steps you can take now to keep your car's brakes in quality condition. 

How to Prevent Brake Damage

1. Maintain Steady Speeds

Brakes stop the wheels from turning when pressure is applied to the brake pads. This friction wears down the pads, which absorb the impact and protect the actual brakes. As such, driving at high speeds and stopping suddenly create more friction, which can wear out your brakes faster. To avoid this damage, maintain slow and steady speeds and leave space between you and other vehicles so that you can stop gradually. 

2. Drive With One Foot

Some people drive with one foot resting on the brake while the other presses the gas pedal. However, even if it doesn’t feel like you’re actually pressing down, that slight weight on the brake creates unnecessary friction and wears down the brake pads prematurely. Instead, just use one foot for both pedals and keep any extra pressure off the brake when you don’t need it. 

3. Remove Unnecessary Cargo

Your engine has to work harder when moving heavy loads, and your brakes have to work even harder to stop that amount of force. While you can still welcome additional passengers and place items in the trunk, avoid hauling anything extra heavy for prolonged periods. This is especially relevant when towing oversized items like trailers or boats that can wear down your brakes even further.

In addition to these steps, professional brake service every six months can keep you safer on the road. For your next service appointment, contact HTS Automotive in Auburn, CA. They provide a full array of auto maintenance services for nearly all makes and models. Their brake service includes a full inspection, rotor replacement, parking brake adjustment, and any needed repairs. Visit the website for a full list of services, or call (530) 820-3231 for an estimate.