Do you want your car’s brakes to last longer? Here are some habits you must avoid. The brakes of your car play a vital role when it comes to your safety. However, sometimes we make certain mistakes which hurt our car’s brakes and keep them from lasting longer. Some of the most common signs of worn car brakes are spongy pedals, reduced responsiveness, and grinding noises. In this article, we shall discuss six habits that you must give up on to make your car’s brakes last longer. Driving Unnecessarily Fast   Many people have a penchant for driving extremely fast, which can be fun. However, applying brakes when driving fast isn’t what you should be doing. Applying brakes at high speed exerts an extra force and damages the padding of your brakes. Before applying brakes, try to reduce the speed just a little. Applying the Brake with the Left Foot  Some drivers apply the brake with their left foot. Such an act is seemingly harmless, but sometimes, it results in them slamming the brake as well as the accelerator simultaneously. Driving in such a manner is helpful only when you are learning how to drive. When driving on the road, try your best to press both the pedals with your right foot. No Coasting  Unfortunately, most people believe that they must step on either of the two pedals— brake or accelerator. However, they don’t have to step on either. The act of using neither the brake nor the accelerator is known as coasting. In coasting, neither the brake nor the accelerator is pressed, yet the car continues to move forward due to inertia. In coasting, the car continues to slow down, and eventually comes to a standstill without you having to apply the brakes. Unnecessary Application of the Brakes  Another habit which affects the brakes of your car is applying brakes even when it’s not needed. You must not apply brakes until you are certain that you will crash into the car that’s in front of you. The best thing you can do is to maintain distance as you drive. By driving at a safe distance from the other car, you get the time you need to decide whether or not hitting the brakes is necessary. Not Looking Far Enough  Most people don’t focus far enough and look at what’s in front of them as they drive. By looking far enough, you can determine whether you have to press the break or not. If you only pay attention to the car that is in front of you, you won’t be able to figure out when you must apply the brakes.   Not Changing the Brake Fluid  Changing brake fluid is important for several reasons. Old and stale brake fluid tends to catch dirt with time. With dirty brake oil, the brake lines, the cylinders and the pistons start to corrode, thus compromising the quality of your brakes and minimizing their lifespan.   If you want to protect your car’s brakes, make them last longer and not waste money on expensive repairs, make sure to give up on the habits mentioned above.   For professional auto-repair in Berkley, CA, feel free to visit our website today.