5 Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Brake Lines
Similar to gas mileage, the wear and tear on your brakes will vary depending on where and how you drive. And determining just how long they’ll last depends on several factors. In our last article, we talked about how to tell if your brakes are leaking but there are countless ways to prevent this from happening in the first place. From investing in good brakes to keeping your fluids up, these simple tricks and tips can help you maximize the life of your brake lines, and help keep you safe on the road.
Make the Investment
First of all, invest in good, reliable brakes. Quality brakes may cost a little bit extra, but they will make a difference in the long run when it comes to their efficiency, safety, and durability.Check Your Brake Pads
You should have your brake and brake pads checked at least once per year, as these tend to wear more quickly. If they are too worn to work properly, you should have them replaced immediately. Our skilled automotive technicians can help with that!Brake Fluid
Check your brake fluid regularly. Brake fluid is essential to transfer heat to all parts of the brake system and absorb lingering water. If the fluid is unusually dark, it may be time to have the system flushed.Watch for the Warning Signs
Listen and watch for warning signs such as unusual noises, strange brake response, or abnormal feelings when you press on the brakes. Any of these may indicate a dangerous problem that should be examined by a professional technician right away.Coast Whenever Possible
While driving, try coasting to slow down before applying brakes whenever possible. This helps to preserve your car’s brakes by putting less pressure on them. You should also avoid braking when cars ahead of you brake unnecessarily. For example, if a car is following too closely to the vehicle ahead of them and must brake constantly to avoid a rear-end accident, but you have plenty of distance to coast between you. Simply coast to decrease your speed and be sure to keep a great distance behind them, not only to preserve your brake lines but also for safety purposes.Service Your Brake Lines At V&F
At V&F, our certified mechanics use the latest diagnostic equipment, and high-quality CARQUEST auto parts, to make sure we get the job done right. Plus, our auto repair services are backed by an industry-leading 3 year / 36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. Call us today at (413) 314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.
This article was originally published in 2018 and has been updated to reflect evolving best practices.