Driving Your Car Less? Here’s How to Avoid These Auto Repairs | AAMCO Boise & Nampa

Healthy brakes can be a lifesaver – literally. But how do you make sure to keep your brakes healthy as long as possible? Regular brake maintenance aside, there are a few habits you may have that are actually causing extra wear on your brake system. Nixing those habits can help keep your brakes healthier for longer and save you money in the long run. When all else fails, bring your car to the nearest AAMCO brake repair shop so our mechanics can find any brake repairs you need.

Frequent Hard Braking or Braking Late

Not all braking is created equal. It’s best to brake gradually by starting to press on the brake pedal a ways back from where you need to be at a stop. Of course, this isn’t always possible, but the more often you brake hard or wait too late to start braking, the more wear you’re causing and stress you’re putting on your brake system overall.

The Harder You Brake, the More Stress is Put on Your Brake System

When you slam on the brakes, you’re not only causing wear on your brake pads and rotors, but also putting excess stress on your whole brake system. This doesn’t mean you’ll need a major brake repair right away but it can lead to more expensive repairs down the road.

Towing Heavy Loads

Along the lines of braking hard, it’s equally hard on your brakes when you tow heavy loads. That’s because when you’re hauling a heavy load, it takes more effort from and puts more strain on your brake system to slow the vehicle.

The Heavier Your Car, the More Force Required When Braking

It goes without saying that heavier loads are harder to bring to a stop. That means your brake pads will wear out much faster than usual if you’re often carrying heavy loads. However, if you aren’t able to change this habit, you can also buy heavy-duty brake pads that will better withstand more strenuous braking.

Braking While Driving Downhill

When driving through mountains or hills, you will have to use your brakes on steep downhill slopes. However, prolonged braking generates a lot of heat that can damage your brake pads, as well as other parts of your brake system. That’s why it’s helpful to minimize braking even on downhills and instead use other methods of slowing whenever possible.

Use a Low Gear or Take Your Foot Off the Accelerator to Slow Without Brakes

If you drive a manual transmission, shifting into lower gears will help slow your car without using your brakes, since it will engage your engine brakes. In an automatic transmission vehicle, taking your foot off the gas pedal can have a similar effect. In either case, this won’t completely replace using your brakes but it can lessen the pressure you have to put on your brake pads.

Resting Your Foot on the Brake Pedal

You may not even realize you have this habit until you pay attention to it while driving. It’s also much more common among drivers going from a manual transmission to an automatic transmission. If you’re used to resting your left foot on another pedal, you could be pressing slightly on the brake pedal without realizing it, meaning your brakes will be engaged even when you don’t want to slow down.

Take Advantage of the Footrest

It may take time to break this habit but it will make a big difference for your brake pads. Luckily, most cars also offer a footrest to the left of your brake and gas pedals, so it’ll have a similar feel to the pedal. The key is to be mindful of your habits while driving.

Skipping Brake Fluid Maintenance

In many respects, this may be the simplest habit to break. With any essential system in your car, keeping up with regular maintenance services will help prolong their life and keep your car running better. With use, not only will you need to replace your brake pads and rotors, but you’ll also need to flush and replace the brake fluid.

Old or Low Brake Fluid Can Damage Parts of Your Brake System

When you put off brake fluid maintenance too long, your brake fluid may become too dirty or even get low from an undetected leak. If this happens, you risk causing more damage to your brake system. Don’t worry, it’s nothing a trusted brake repair mechanic can’t find and fix in no time.

Need a Brake Repair in Boise? Come to the Mechanics at AAMCO Boise

When it comes to brake repair mechanics, you just can’t beat the experts at every AAMCO location. So if you’re looking for a new brake repair shop, give us a call or schedule your appointment online today. We’ll quickly, accurately, and affordably diagnose and repair anything necessary to get your brakes – and any other part of your car – back into tip top shape again.

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