Top 4 Mistakes that Wear Down Your Car Brakes Faster

You probably already know how important car brakes are when it comes to safety. But you might not be aware that you're doing things that may be wearing them out faster than you want them to happen.

What are some of the signs that indicate worn-out brakes? Look for less responsiveness (or grip) when you push them down, grinding noises, spongy and/or vibrating pedals. This may not always be the case, but they're good places to start.

And since we're on the subject of rundown brakes, here are the most common mistakes you need to avoid to prevent them from happening:

Mistake #1: You always carry heavy loads in your car.

You probably pride yourself in being an "ever-ready" trooper. You have everything you need inside your bag, and all your knick-knacks are there, waiting for you in case you need them.

And while we commend you for always being prepared, it's a different story when you extend this to your vehicle. Carrying heavy loads add unwanted weight and pressure on tires, making your brakes work harder to stop them.

Mistake #2: You brake erratically or suddenly.

Making sudden stop-starts, especially when driving on high speeds, can wear out your brakes fast. This is because of heat. Brakes produce more heat when stopping at high speeds, wearing out its components much faster than when you drive slow.

The best thing to do? Coast. Estimate the distance to where you plan to stop, slow down, and then slowly press on the brakes. That way, you get to enjoy the ride.

Mistake #3: You don't regularly flush out your brake fluid.

Brake fluid helps in transferring the force of a driver on the pedal directly onto the wheels. Moreover, it helps lubricate all the movable components and prevent them from corroding.

Flushing out your brake fluid every 48,000 kilometers is important because they get dirty and can affect the brake's efficiency and stopping power. Brake flushing prevents this from happening. It removes all the brake fluid inside and is replaced by a new and cleaner one.

Mistake #4: You don't look beyond your peripheral vision.

It's better to look far ahead. Look beyond the horizon--check out traffic lights, and observe where vehicles are slowing down to a halt. That way, you can anticipate when to brake--and coast--if possible.