Are You Wearing Out Your Chevy Brakes?

Although you may not always think of your brakes or their condition, they are the single most important aspect of your safety when you’re behind the wheel. Without them in tip-top condition, you’re putting yourself and anyone else in the vehicle at risk. However, there are ways to make your brakes last longer, even beyond brake service. If you’ve ever wondered why your brakes don’t seem to last as long as they should, make sure to avoid some of these bad habits.

Two-Footed Driving
If you were fortunate enough to have a parent or a knowledgeable instructor teach you how to drive, you probably drive correctly, using your right foot to control the accelerator and the brakes. Yet some drivers opt to use their left foot on the brakes and right foot on the gas. When using the two-footed method, most drivers rest their left foot on the brakes, inadvertently engaging them.

It’s important to remember that even the slightest bit of pressure on the brakes engages them, and resting your foot there causes them to wear rapidly. If you’ve gotten into the habit of using both feet to drive, switch to a one-footed method immediately. The only time you should ever use your left foot is if you’re pressing the clutch in a manual drive vehicle.

Ignoring the Squeal
Modern brake pads come equipped with a feature called a wear indicator. Over time, the brakes start to wear down until a metal piece becomes exposed. When applying the brakes in this state, the bit of metal rubs against the brake rotors, causing a loud squealing sound. If you notice this type of squeal, it’s time to take your car in for a brake inspection. When you continue to drive after hearing this sound, your brakes aren’t nearly as effective. In addition, you can cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your vehicle.

Sharp Braking
Press the brakes and you bring the car to a stop. It sounds simple enough, but many people never learn the best way to do this. Oftentimes, they’ll brake far too late or wait until the last minute to apply the brakes. This puts excessive friction on the brakes, causing an inordinate amount of wear. This isn’t always the product of poor braking habits. Sometimes, it’s distracted driving that causes sharp braking. Using your phone or messing with the radio can cause late reactions, which necessitates heavier braking.

When you’re behind the wheel, take extra care to keep distractions to a minimum. This will help you avoid heavy braking. If possible, start braking as early as possible, and ease to a stop. This is a far safer method and allows your brakes to last far longer.

The next time you’re behind the wheel, take a minute to review your driving habits to see if you fall victim to any of these behaviors. If you do, it’s time to rethink your approach. Not only will you be safer at the wheel, but you’ll also end up saving tons of money at the auto repair shop.