How To Make Your Brakes Last Longer-Part 3

This is the third in a three-part series of driving tips from race driver Mac Demere. They are designed to help extend the life of your brakes.  

Lose Some Weight. Don't carry unnecessary stuff. Math majors will point out that this won't make a big difference unless you're hauling those barbells you keep forgetting to drop off at Goodwill.  Consider vehicle weight before your next purchase. A heavier vehicle is harder on brakes. And tires. And gas.

Flush It. Brake fluid needs to be periodically changed. In mechanic-speak it's called bleeding and flushing. Renew your brake fluid, especially if you have an older vehicle or one you purchased used. You gain nothing if you save brake material but the insides of the system rot away. Flushing the brake fluid will make the internal components last longer and the brakes work better. Brake fluid naturally attracts water.

In an emergency stop or after repeated brake applications, this moisture boils and severely reduces braking effectiveness. Moisture also promotes internal corrosion, which ruins critical rubber seals. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend renewing brake fluid every couple of years. While there are mechanics that challenge its cost-effectiveness, brake bleeding is an inexpensive, easy task for a do-it-yourselfer.


Be Frugal, Not Foolish. Trying to extend brake life too long will cost big money. If metal touches metal, frugality becomes foolish. A good time to inspect brake material thickness is when you have your tires rotated. Novice do-it-yourselfers: With a wheel removed, it's easy to check disc brake pad thickness, as they're open for viewing. It's more difficult with drum brakes because the drum has to be removed.

Other foolishness: downshifting to save brakes. Transmissions (and clutches) cost a lot more than brakes. Race drivers downshift to be in the proper gear to accelerate out of the next turn. If experienced racers are downshifting to reduce speed, their brakes are failing. With brake failures in racecars, I have found it easier to coast. (A mistake on a downshift can cause a rear-drive car to spin out.)

Many of these tips also will save gas and make you a safer, smoother driver.
Mac’s advice will help make your brakes last as long as possible. But eventually, when you need new brake pads or a complete brake job, I hope you'll consider stopping by your local Budget Brakes store.  For the location nearest you go to: HYPERLINK "http://www.budgetbrakes.com/locations.php" http://www.budgetbrakes.com/locations.php