Drive Safe To Keep Your Brakes In Good Condition Longer
Aggressive driving results in greater brake wear. Vehicles basically stop due to friction generated by the brakes. At normal levels there is no issue. However, there are certain driving practices that increase the level of friction necessary to stop a vehicle. More friction typically means greater heat generation. Excessive heat is dangerous because it causes your pads to wear at a faster rate and it can cause rotor warping. Make sure you know what dangerous practices to avoid.
Keep A Safe Distance
The less you have to apply your brakes, the better. By no means does this mean you should not rely on your brakes. However, if you keep a safe traveling distance between the vehicle in front of you, you won't have to apply your brakes as frequently, which can help keep them cooler. Keep the three-second rule in mind. Focus on a stationary object that is ahead of you, such as an overpass or tree. Count the number of seconds it takes you to pass the object. In normal weather and traffic conditions, it should take you at least three-seconds. If it doesn't, you're traveling too closely to the car in front of you. In heavy traffic or inclement weather, it should take at least six-seconds. The greater the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, the less likely you'll need to slam on the brakes often.
Watch Your Speed
It doesn't matter if you are in a hurry for a professional or personal obligation, it's important to resist the urge to drive fast. When you make it a habit to drive at excessively high speeds often, this won't just increase the risk of a hefty violation; it can also wear your brakes faster. The faster a vehicle is traveling; the more force the brakes need to generate to bring it to a stop.
To put this in perspective, a brake system must work harder to stop your vehicle when traveling at 75 mph than it would if the vehicle were traveling at 55 mph. More force means more friction. As an added tip, when traveling on a highway, start slowly down gradually before you get to your exit so that you don't have to worry about slamming down on the brakes abruptly, as this can also increase heat generation.
Practicing safe driving techniques won't just keep you and other motorists safe on the road, it can also help you keep your brakes in better condition longer.