Why Don’t Brakes Last Longer?

Brake repair can get expensive, and if you’re having to replace your brakes more often than usual, you might be wondering why they just don’t last longer. There’s a lot that goes into answering that question, and HRS AutoCare has some answers that can help you to see how you might be able to extend the life of your car’s brakes.

First, it’s important to understand what brake trouble looks and feels like. If you press the brake pedal and something just doesn’t feel right, you may be picking up on some subtle signs that your brake system is having trouble. More obvious signs can include vibrations as you’re braking, noise from the brakes, and even feeling the car pull to one side as you brake.

There is just no getting around the fact that your brakes have a really difficult job. They’re responsible for getting your car slowed down and stopped, often when you’re traveling at speed. Brake pads, rotors, and calipers all experience wear and tear, and they need replacing periodically. There are factors that might make that wear and tear worse, however.

The environment where you drive your car matters, especially because your brake system has a great many pieces that are exposed to the weather. Water, road salt, and other weather-related concerns all have an effect on brake parts. If your brakes experience a lot more corrosion than usual, they aren’t going to last as long as they would if they didn’t have that exposure.

No one wants to hear this, but how you drive factors into this, too. Driving more quickly than conditions warrant or consistently waiting to stop until the last moment makes your brakes work harder than they should have to work. That increases the wear and tear they go through. If you’re intent on replacing your brake parts less often, you really do need to take a look at your own driving habits and what you can control of them. 

Whether you need your brakes inspected or you know it’s time for new brakes, give us a call at HRS AutoCare in Nicholasville, KY. We can set up an appointment to determine exactly what your car needs and get you back on the road safely again as quickly as possible.