Three common mistakes to avoid wearing down your brake pads

BRAKE pads are a crucial part of any car – they stand between you and a potential collision.

But millions of Brits let their car’s brake pads wear down through bad driving habits.

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This not only puts themselves and others in danger, but it can cost hundreds in repairs.

The average lifespan of a brake pad is between 25,000 – 60,000 miles.

But simple changes to your driving style can affect this significantly.

And by following these three simple rules, you could save yourself a fortune in the brakes department.

Brake-neck speed

One way to make your brake pads go the distance is to keep your speed low.

High speeds generate more heat which creates more energy that brake pads have to dissipate.

This wears them down.

Slowing down, sticking to the speed limit and going with the flow of traffic will reduce the risk of unnecessary wear.

City limits

Avoiding city driving can also help.

The stop-start nature of city journeys knackers your brake pads.

Instead, try driving on motorways, dual carriageways and on rural roads.

You will brake less often and your pads will thank you for it.

So what are you waiting for? Take the scenic route.

Stop it

Avoiding sudden braking is vital.

This can be made easier when you give yourself a safe distance between the vehicle in front.

Try and come to a gentle stop at junctions, roundabouts, or traffic lights.

And focus on braking gently and consider coasting more often.

But be warned, coasting could reduce your control when driving downhill.

Wheelie important

Duncan McClure-Fisher, CEO at MotorEasy says: “Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to keeping a roadworthy vehicle running safely.

“Depending on the model of the car, the average cost of a replacement set is usually over £100.

“So careful driving habits can possibly also save drivers money in the long run.

“We would advise motorists to not procrastinate when it comes to any brake issues and to seek professional advice urgently to investigate the cause and carry out necessary repairs on the vehicle.”

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