Castro Valley, CA – Extending the Life of Your Brakes | Auto Repair Shop Advice

There are several ways to maximize the life of your brakes. Chief among these is regular brake inspections. When we inspect your brake system, we check your pads and rotors for wear, ensure your brake fluid is not contaminated, and your sensors are properly connected and functioning with the ABS and stability control system.

How to Lengthen Your Brakes’ Life

Your brakes are some of the essential components of your car. If you drive with worn-down brake pads, you risk damage to your rotors or even an accident. There are ways to avoid wearing them out prematurely:

Keep Plenty of Distance Between You and the Vehicle In Front

Fast and hard braking puts tremendous strain on the brake system and wears out pads & rotors before their time. Avoid tailgating; drive to prevent last-minute turns. The lighter you apply the brakes, the better for longevity. 

Slow Down

High-speed driving will not burden your brakes, but if you have to stop unexpectedly, even a ten mph difference in speed can shorten the life of your brakes. Besides driving slower, allow the car to coast and slow down before applying the brakes. The more slowly the vehicle travels when you brake, the less wear your brakes will suffer.

Avoid Unnecessary Brake Taps

Traffic can be harsh on your brakes. 

In bumper-to-bumper traffic, most people end up tapping their brakes frequently. We suggest you maintain a slow constant speed to avoid frequent braking. In stop & go traffic, wait until a distance has developed before you move. Less frequent braking will result.

Don’t Use Your Left Foot to Brake

Some people keep the right foot on the gas pedal and the left on the brake. 

Put your left foot on the floor; use your right foot for both functions. This way, you will do one thing at a time and won’t ride the brakes, causing undue wear.

Lessen The Load

You may have noticed the heavy load’s burden on your brakes; you must press harder to stop as usual. If you are uncertain about the weight your brakes can cope with, we can offer expert advice.

Flush Brake Fluid Every Two Years

Over time, brake fluid absorbs water and becomes contaminated, resulting in rusty brake components and less effective brakes. Regular brake fluid flushes are an essential part of preventative maintenance.

Inspect Brakes Regularly

Request a brake inspection every other oil change, about yearly.

Buy Quality Brake Components

To get extended brake usage, buy quality brake parts. You get what you pay for. Quality parts are made from better materials and also come with warranties. When you visit us for service, our mechanics will scrutinize your vehicle to install the correct parts for long life and your driving satisfaction. Call or visit our website to get a quote and book an appointment for a brake inspection or any required service.