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Brakes are one of the most important components of any car. A functional braking system helps avoid safety issues. Brakes, just like every other car part, take a lot of wear and tear. Replacing a braking system can cost good money. To save money on frequent replacements, you need to take good care of your braking system that comprises different parts including shoes, rotors, drums, and pads. Below are some tips that you can follow to extend the life of your brakes.

1. Have Your car Inspected Regularly

When it comes to maintaining your braking system, the importance of having your car inspected regularly cannot be emphasized enough. Regular brake service in Livermore can reveal repair issues before they snowball into major problems. Get your car inspected at least once every year. If, however, you drive more frequently, consider having your vehicle checked once every six months.

2. Adopt Good Driving Habits

Your driving habits can have a major impact on the service life of your braking system. The greatest enemy of your brakes is speed. Studies show that it takes about 33 percent more energy to stop a car traveling at 65 mph vs a vehicle traveling at 55 mph. To avoid premature wear,  use only your right foot for braking. Try maintaining a safe distance with the vehicle in front of your car so that you have enough time to allow your car to slow down naturally, before applying the brakes (coasting).

3. Have Your Braking System Flushed Regularly

With time, brake fluid can get oxidized and contaminated. Additionally, brake fluid naturally attracts water. Moisture build-up in your braking system is the last thing you would want. Diluted brake fluid can impact braking performance and also lead to internal corrosion. Contaminated brake fluid can contribute to the failure of different parts of your hydraulic system such as calipers and wheel cylinders. To steer clear of these issues, have your braking fluid flushed and replaced regularly.

4. Use High Quality OEM Parts

The temptation of saving on OEM parts can be hard to resist, however, in many cases cheap OEM parts do not last even for a few months. To avoid expensive repairs and frequent replacements, opt for OEM parts by trusted brands. If you do not use OEM parts, look for parts approved by your manufacturer.

Follow these tips to extend the life of your brakes. If you are facing any issues with your braking system, Bruce’s Tire would be happy to help. For us, troubleshooting cars is more of a hobby than a profession. To schedule an appointment, call at (925) 453-0006. Alternatively, to get a repair quote fill out our contact form.