Your brakes are one of your car’s most important operating systems. However, braking the wrong way will put undue stress on these critical components, leading to possible failure. Here is a list of five bad braking habits to stop today — before you can’t stop at all.
1. Riding Your Brakes
The biggest danger of riding your brakes is the real possibility of creating too much heat. Under these conditions, pushing the brake pedal won’t build up the necessary pressure in the system, causing your brakes to fail. Brake fade also occurs when heat causes a chemical reaction that creates gas bubbles between pads and rotors, reducing overall efficiency.
In addition to these immediate effects, the long term effects of riding your brakes lead to serious mechanical issues. Your pads and shoes are designed to wear down with use. Riding the brakes speeds up this process significantly. Over time, the heat buildup will damage components. Rotors can warp, and non-metallic parts such as seals can melt, causing leaks.
2. Hard Braking
Hard braking is a habit that isn’t doing your brake system any good. Unless you’re going down a very steep hill, stop it. Regularly stomping on the brakes is a sign you’re accelerating too hard or not paying enough attention to traffic — or both. Smooth acceleration and braking will do more than ensure your brakes last longer. This good habit helps save on fuel costs and will keep you safer behind the wheel.
3. Resting Your Foot on the Pedal
Some people have a bad habit of resting their foot on the brake pedal. With this practice, you may accidentally hit the brakes while driving. Not only is this a dangerous situation for you, but it’s also a problem for other drivers because any sudden stops could lead to a collision, so rest your foot on the floor instead.
4. Not Coasting
If you slam on the brakes just as you get to the red light, you’re going to add stress to your brakes. Next time, try coasting instead. When you’re coming up to an intersection, lift off the accelerator and let the car slow down on its own.
Who knows, by the time you coast to a stop, the traffic light may have turned green, and you won’t even need to use the brakes at all? Looking ahead to anticipate traffic situations is a terrific habit and will prevent you from braking too soon, saving the brakes for when you really need them.
5. Not Getting Serviced
Get your brakes serviced regularly by a certified technician. These experts undergo frequent training, so they are always up-to-date on every aspect of your car’s vital systems. Brakes must be serviced to ensure they function correctly, and your vehicle is safe to drive. Have your brakes inspected if you notice any signs of wear, including sticking or seizing up, or whenever you hear unusual brake noises.
Many drivers don’t know how to brake properly and practice bad habits. Use these tips to stay safe on the way.
Image via Pixabay.com
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