Long-Lasting Braking: Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Brake Pads
It’s hard to overstate just how vital brake systems are when it comes to protecting drivers in Austin, TX. Brake pads are an essential part of this system — they prevent your vehicle’s calipers from directly touching the rotors. But brake systems work by generating friction, and this force will eventually cause your brake pads to wear out.
The good news is that dealing with this situation is simple: qualified Austin brake repair shops can quickly and affordably replace brake pads. Local drivers can also take a few common-sense steps to extend the life span of these components, such as choosing the right brake pad type and following proper brake pad maintenance guidelines. In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to get the most out of your brake pads and learn about brake pad types, maintenance, and replacement services.
Follow These Five Tips To Protect Your Brake Pads
If you’re trying to keep your brake pads in good shape for as long as possible, be sure to:
1. Watch Your Speed
When your car travels faster than usual, your brakes need to create quite a bit of force to stop it. Of course, that means your brake pads will have to deal with an incredible amount of strain. With that in mind, stick to the local speed limit and don’t brake suddenly in situations where you don’t have to do so.
2. Engine Brake When Driving Downhill
Do you need to brake while traveling downhill? If your vehicle has a manual transmission or allows you to shift gears manually, try engine braking. This process involves using your transmission to downshift, reducing your speed while allowing you to minimize the use of your brakes (and brake pads).
3. Get Rid of Extra Weight
There’s no shame in having junk in your vehicle — but the more your car weighs, the harder your brakes must work to control its speed. Getting rid of items you don’t need won’t just improve your brake pads’ lifespan — it will also boost your gas mileage.
4. Be a Defensive Driver
Defensive driving is simply keeping an eye on your surroundings and looking out for upcoming hazards while on the road. When you drive defensively, you’ll be aware of situations where you need to brake ahead of time, giving you a chance to slow down as gradually as possible. That way, you’ll minimize the strain braking puts on your brake pads.
5. Prioritize Routine Maintenance
Even if you follow all of these tips, your brake pads won’t last forever. When you bring your vehicle to a brake shop for preventative maintenance, ask a mechanic to inspect your brakes. They’ll be able to spot worn-out brake pads and any other brake issues as soon as possible.
Do You Need Brake Pad Replacement?
There’s always a chance that your brake pads will need attention before your next Austin brake repair appointment. Some signs indicating that these parts are on the verge of failure include:
- Brake fade. Vehicles with brake fade need more time than usual to stop. That’s a big problem for a few reasons — most notably, your brake system needs to be as responsive as possible for you to drive safely. Brake fade is especially common among motorists who apply their brakes for lengthy periods without coming to a complete stop.
- Odd sounds. Listening to your vehicle while you drive is an excellent way to catch signs of brake trouble. If you notice a squealing sound while you aren’t braking, your brake pads’ wear indicators might be active.
- Vibrations in your brake pedal. Has your brake pedal started vibrating when you try to brake? If so, brake pad wear may be at fault.
- Pulling to one side when you brake. Brake pads don’t always wear out at the same rate. When the brake pads on one side of your vehicle wear more rapidly than your other pads, you might pull to one side of the road when you slow down. This issue can also be caused by uneven tire pressure, problems with your wheel bearings, or a brake caliper that isn’t working correctly.
Visit the Best Shop for Austin Brake Repair
Whether your brake pads seem worn out or your brake system needs a check-up, visiting the right auto shop for brake work is crucial. To get the best possible brake service, look for Austin brake repair shops offering:
- ASE-certified mechanics. These are the best mechanics in the industry, meaning they’ll be able to replace brake pads or handle complicated brake repairs.
- A solid reputation. Ideally, your shop of choice should be a long-lasting part of the surrounding community.
- Multiple locations. The best brake shops in Austin can meet their customers’ needs no matter where they are in Austin and the surrounding areas.
- Ways to save money. Service repair quotes, online brake and auto repair coupons, rewards programs, and financing options can all help people afford brake service.
If you want all these perks and more, Lamb’s Tire & Automotive has you covered. We’ve been Austin’s most trusted brake shop since 1987 — and unlike your brakes, we’re not slowing things down any time soon. Schedule your appointment for brake service online today!
