Brake Wear - Getting the Best Out of Your Brakes
Brakes are a common item on a failed MOT or service, and it's important to maintain these essential elements of your vehicle - not only will it lengthen the life of your brakes but it will save you money on repairs and replacements.
Front brakes often wear out faster than back brakes - this is because most cars have a front disc/rear drum setup.
Disc brakes use pads to clamp down on the rotating disc when the brakes are engaged to stop them.
Drum brakes use 'shoes' which are mounted inside a circular drum.
These push outwards against the drum when you press on the pedal.
The weight of the vehicle shifts forward during braking, so the front brakes take the brunt of the pressure, meaning you're more likely to need to replace the front ones before the rear ones.
Your driving style will affect how quickly your brakes wear out, too.
Aggressive driving can take its toll on your pads and 'shoes', so try to press gently and smoothly on the pedal rather than stomping! Stop-start driving in built up areas can also affect their lifespan, as you will obviously use them more than when driving on a motorway or duel carriageway.
Some drivers have a habit of 'riding' the brake pedal during normal driving - this is yet another way of wearing them out way before their natural end-of-life.
When your pads are replaced, the rotors may also need to be machined, cut or resurfaced to keep them from warping and going 'out-of-round'.
A warped rotor will cause the pedal to pulsate when brakes are activated.
Though this maintenance can work wonders, rotors will eventually become too thin for safe use and need to be replaced.
To increase the life of your brakes, avoid slamming onto the pedal and other aggressive driving styles, coast to a stop where possible, don't hover over your pedal while driving, and try to minimise driving in urban areas where possible.
Your brakes are not just for stopping, but also for controlling your car - they should work smoothly and should never pull your car off course when applied.
When looking for repairs or replacements, find a technician who will provide you with an expert assessment of your entire braking system so that you can make an informed choice about the work available.
Many services also include a brake fluid top-up and replacement fixings within all-inclusive brake repair prices.
Front brakes often wear out faster than back brakes - this is because most cars have a front disc/rear drum setup.
Disc brakes use pads to clamp down on the rotating disc when the brakes are engaged to stop them.
Drum brakes use 'shoes' which are mounted inside a circular drum.
These push outwards against the drum when you press on the pedal.
The weight of the vehicle shifts forward during braking, so the front brakes take the brunt of the pressure, meaning you're more likely to need to replace the front ones before the rear ones.
Your driving style will affect how quickly your brakes wear out, too.
Aggressive driving can take its toll on your pads and 'shoes', so try to press gently and smoothly on the pedal rather than stomping! Stop-start driving in built up areas can also affect their lifespan, as you will obviously use them more than when driving on a motorway or duel carriageway.
Some drivers have a habit of 'riding' the brake pedal during normal driving - this is yet another way of wearing them out way before their natural end-of-life.
When your pads are replaced, the rotors may also need to be machined, cut or resurfaced to keep them from warping and going 'out-of-round'.
A warped rotor will cause the pedal to pulsate when brakes are activated.
Though this maintenance can work wonders, rotors will eventually become too thin for safe use and need to be replaced.
To increase the life of your brakes, avoid slamming onto the pedal and other aggressive driving styles, coast to a stop where possible, don't hover over your pedal while driving, and try to minimise driving in urban areas where possible.
Your brakes are not just for stopping, but also for controlling your car - they should work smoothly and should never pull your car off course when applied.
When looking for repairs or replacements, find a technician who will provide you with an expert assessment of your entire braking system so that you can make an informed choice about the work available.
Many services also include a brake fluid top-up and replacement fixings within all-inclusive brake repair prices.
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