Four Ways to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Once you hit the road, you may wonder how long do brakes generally last? With different factors in mind like driving habits, vehicle type, driving in rural vs. urban areas and more, the recommended intervals for changing brake pads can vary from person to person. Generally speaking, you should change your brake pads every 10,000-20,000 miles. With that in mind, how can you extend the life of your brakes?

4 tips on maintaining the health of your brakes.

1. Invest in Quality Brakes

Brakes play a vital role in stopping your vehicle, an action that is constantly taking place. With that in mind, investing in quality brakes is the first and most important step in extending the life of your brakes.

2. Regularly Flush Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is extremely important to your car’s braking system because it assists in keeping the braking system reactive and effective. Consider a brake fluid flush, where old/contaminated brake fluid is removed because it limits the vehicle’s ability to slow down or stop when the brakes are pressed. This fluid is replaced with new/clean brake fluid because when you press down on the brake pedal, brake fluid goes from the master cylinder into the brake lines, inciting the brake pistons to apply pressure from the pads to the rotor.

3. Coast Before Braking /Avoid Sudden Braking

Coasting is a technique that has the driver remove their foot from the accelerator and let the vehicle slow down on its own before applying the brakes. Braking at higher speeds causes more wear and tear on your brake pads. If you slam on your brakes suddenly and often, you will have to replace your brakes more frequently than those who allow their car the space and time to gradually brake.

4. Lighten Your Load

Brakes on a passenger car or truck are designed to last under what is considered normal operating conditions. Continuously carrying heavy loads in your car adds strain to the brake system. The lighter the load, the easier it is for your vehicle’s braking system.

Ready for new brakes you can maintain? Set an appointment with our Toyota-trained technicians for fresh brakes for your vehicle or check out the Toyota Parts Center Online where you can select the genuine Toyota parts that you need.