Brake life is variable with a lot of influential factors to consider. Brake pads can last anywhere from 25,000 to 65,000 miles before they need to be replaced. If brakes have lasted as long as 80,000 miles, they’re the exception to the rule. It doesn’t matter what kind of driver you are. Your brakes are getting worn away each time you drive your vehicle and will eventually need repair. Should you find yourself in need of brake services, please don’t wait and contact Big Apple Automotive in Apple Valley, California today.

Tips to avoid brake service sooner rather than later:

Don’t Ride the Brake

If you’re a commuter, you’re used to the stop and start that takes you to and from work. Any driver who spends a regular amount of time in traffic knows the slow crawl. Some drivers have a bad habit of riding the brake while they are coasting down the street. This means they are applying the brake pedal just lightly in case they need to brake, but the brakes are still engaging and wearing down. Either press the brake pedal firmly to stop, or release it completely to disengage the brake pads.

Keep Your Distance

Another common driving habit that is harmful to your brakes is to coast rather close to the vehicle in front. If you’re driving down CA-18 and you’re hovering around the speed limit, you should have several car lengths between your bumper and the back end of the vehicle in front of you. If you’re too close and that vehicle pulls an unexpected maneuver, you will slam on your brakes in an emergency stop and cause damage to your brakes, all while hopefully avoiding a collision. You need distance in order to respond to any maneuver or stop that vehicle may pull all of a sudden.

Take Turns Slowly

Drivers tend to hit the brakes at the apex of the turn where they feel the most force in the vehicle to one side. The faster you are going, the harder you are going to need to brake to maintain control during the maneuver.

We’re Here To Help

At Big Apple Automotive in Apple Valley, California, our technicians are ASE certified and trained in the common repairs on brakes and brake pads. If you have any concerns about your brakes’ current condition or when you should have them checked, call us for an appointment today: 760-247-7255

To get started, Contact Us today at any of our 3 convenient Victor Valley locations!