Don’t Break Your Brakes: Driving Habits that Can Cause Damage — Valencia Auto Performance and Simply Smog

You Need Those!

Some parts of your vehicle such as a radio or heated seats are optional. Brakes are not. Therefore, you have a vital interest in keeping your car’s braking system in sound condition. After all, you need those! Of course, you know that. What you might not know, however, is that certain driving habits can lead to brake damage. We’ll provide a few pointers, and we’re always here for all your brake repair needs. What’s more, we back our work with a generous 24-month\24,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. That’s why you can count on the ASE certified technicians at Did you know that some driving habits can damage your brakes? Get reliable brake repairs at Valencia Auto Performance and Simply Smog in Santa Clarita, CA.

No, No, No!

Obviously, you’re not a toddler. Even so, you may want to protect your brakes by telling yourself, “No, no, no!” to these potentially damaging driving habits.

• First, don’t “ride” your brakes. This is the practice of keeping your foot on the pedal for prolonged periods of time. Some drivers develop this habit as a means of car control when going downhill. While you certainly can’t let your auto run away, you shouldn’t develop this as a regular practice when you don’t actually need brakes. Applying brakes more than necessary encourages them to overheat and allows the components to wear out sooner. Decades ago, people actually suggested riding the brakes briefly after passing through puddled water to dry the brakes and ensure stopping ability. All brakes were manual then, and they weren’t made as well as the parts available today. Thus, this is an outdated practice.
• Also, slamming on brakes is rough on the system components. The repeated extra heat and pressure can be problematic for hoses, eventually causing leaking. Since brake fluid is necessary for operation, you can’t afford to lose it. Further, frequent hard braking accelerates brake pad wear, and it can increase your risk of another driver rear-ending you. All that said, please be alert and safe. Be aware that sudden hard braking may be necessary in an emergency.
• Finally, stop-and-go driving can be tough on the braking system. Although this is often unavoidable, drive at a constant speed when you can. Also, rely more on easing off the accelerator and less on stepping on the brake pedal. This small shift in your approach to deceleration can extend the life of brake pads and rotors.

Yes!

As you say, “No!” to bad braking habits, say, “Yes!” to Valencia Auto Performance and Simply Smog for all your brake system repair needs.