We all know that brakes play an important part in keeping us safe and slowing the car down when necessary.
They can also help in dangerous situations, for instance if you need to perform an emergency stop. Therefore, it is imperative that you always have fully functioning brakes – to avoid getting into a dangerous situation – or causing unnecessary damage to your car.
For example, if you have worn out brake pads, you could be damaging your calipers and discs, grinding bare metal together.
Heavy Braking & Heavy Loads
If you drive your car with hard acceleration, then you will need to use your brakes heavily. To reduce the usage and wear on your brakes it is advisable to drive with gradual acceleration and deceleration. Going down in gears, especially down a hill will help reduce the amount of effort you need to put into your brakes, therefore prolonging their life.
If you carry heavy loads in your car then it will mean more energy from the brakes is required to stop the vehicle, resulting in faster wear. Making sure you only carry what is necessary for every trip will help make it easier on the brakes.
How often do car brake discs need replacing?
If your car is driven safely with no hard braking, then you should expect your brake discs to last you 80,000 miles or more.
Should you notice your brakes grinding then it could be a sign that they need changing as soon as possible.
Another component required is brake pads, and these usually last 30,000-70,000 miles.
However, if these wear out before your brake discs, it is highly recommended to have them changed at the same time so they don’t wear unevenly and are damaged.
How often should brake fluid be changed?
Brake fluid is an important part of the braking system in your car. Once you apply pressure on the brake pedal, the fluid will transmit that pressure to the master cylinder, then through to the calipers which will clamp the pads onto the discs, resulting in your car slowing down.
It is recommended that you change your brake fluid every 2 years so that your brakes can work efficiently and safely. Over time, brake fluid absorbs water which can lead to your brakes failing, so be sure to have it changed when necessary.
Tivoli Auto Services
We are an independent garage based in Hastings and can recommend and install the best brakes for your car. If you hear any unusual noise, such as grinding or squeaking, then it is important to have your brakes checked as soon as possible to avoid any damage.
Our friendly team can also give you further advice on how to get the best out of your brakes. Contact us today on 01424 442277 to get your car booked with us.
