By practicing safe driving habits, you will extend the time between your brake service appointments. Driving smarter and learning to use your brakes wisely will lessen the wear on your brake pads. Additionally, your rotors will avoid damage, which will save you from costly repair bills.

How to Make Your Brakes Last Longer

1. Don't Ride the Brakes

If you find yourself driving with one foot on the accelerator and one foot on the brake pedal, then you should break this habit. Instead, drive using only one foot. Needlessly tapping or even resting your foot on the brakes will cause undue wear on your pads.

2. Coasting is Key

You should always be on the lookout for an opportunity to coast. For example, if there is a red light ahead of you, don’t press the gas pedal or the brakes. Instead, drift to the light and then gently apply the brakes as needed, so your vehicle slowly comes to a stop.

3. Don't Drive Needlessly Fast

The more you step on the gas, the more you’ll be slamming on the brakes. Rather than swerving in and out of traffic while speeding up and slowing down rapidly, you will keep your brakes in reliable working order by calmly going with the flow of traffic.

4. Remove Unnecessary Weight

The more weight in your car, the harder your breaks must work to stop. If you have extra items in the trunk, you will make your brakes last longer by clearing it out. Not only will you have more room in your trunk, but you will also avoid unnecessary brake service.

5. Regular Brake Service

Listen to your auto mechanic or read your vehicle's owner manual to find out how often you need brake service and don't put it off. The brake experts will likely opt to flush your brakes every couple years to extend the life of your brake pads and rotors.

If you need brake service, contact the professionals at Mullanphy Tire & Automotive in Florissant, MO. Their experienced technicians provide honest service at fair prices to clients in St. Louis and the surrounding area. Whether you need extensive work or simple maintenance, this straightforward, reliable auto shop will handle it all. Call (314) 921-4961 schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their work.