How to Save Money on Brakes

It’s no secret your vehicle’s brakes are an essential safety system. With complex hydraulic mechanisms and plenty of parts that need replacing on a regular basis, it’s always tempting to put off your brake service as long as possible to save a few bucks. But the truth is, failing to keep up with routine maintenance is a sure way to cause yourself extra headaches in the future. Below are a few tips to help save money on your vehicle’s brakes.

 

Keep Up with Maintenance. Make sure you do all of your brake maintenance on time. Failing to do so can cause damage to expensive parts, so have your mechanic do a yearly inspection. Replacing your vehicle’s brake fluid per the owner’s manual scheduled maintenance will extend the life of brake lines, calipers and proportioning valve.  A simple clean and adjust service will also extend the life of brake pads and linings.

 

Use Quality Parts. It may be tempting to go for the cheapest parts possible when it’s time to replace these necessary items for your car, but the truth is, these inferior parts are cheaper for a reason. Stick only with name brand quality brake parts. Your safety is worth it.

 

Change Your Driving Habits. More than anything else, changing how you drive will save you a lot of money on your vehicle’s brake costs. Slowing down earlier, not coming to abrupt stops and not riding the brakes will go a long way toward making your car’s equipment last longer than it otherwise would.

 

Ask if Your Calipers Can Be Rebuilt. When it does come time for a complete brake job, and your mechanic recommends that you need to replace the calipers, ask him if they can be rebuilt instead. A re-build kit with a little additional labor will still be cheaper than buying the whole caliper.

Use Your Spare Time to Check Your Tires

National Tire Safety Week begins May 29 and the Car Care Council urges vehicle owners to inspect their tires for wear and tear, as well as check tire pressure and alignment. According to a national survey conducted by the Rubber Manufacturers...

Wash Me, Please

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'Cinderella Era' of Your Vehicle is No Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, buying a new car may have sounded like a dream come true, but keeping your car through the “Cinderella Era” can mean more gold at the end of the rainbow, says the non-profit Car Care Council. “The smartest way...

National Car Care Month: Headlight Maintenance 101

When is the last time you changed your headlights? April is the perfect time to get your vehicle ready for spring and summer, when most road travel occurs. Not only does April mark the end of winter, but it’s also National Car Care Month....

It's Pothole Season: You May Be In For A Bumpy Ride

As winter winds down and the weather gets warmer, motorists will see more potholes on the roadways and avoiding them can be a real challenge. If you hit a pothole, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends watching for three warning signs to...

Under Pressure? TPMS Dashboard Light Lets You Know

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Easy Steps to Better Gas Mileage

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Sensible Steps to Help Keep Your Car Longer

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Winter Maintenance Check

Heavy snow can be fun for some, but many drivers dread treacherous winter driving conditions. Being car care aware will help ensure your vehicle is ready for harsh winter weather encountered on the road, says the non-profit Car Care...

Tire Safety: Check Your Tires for Wear and Tear

It only takes a penny to see if your tires are worn or losing tread. Examining your tires for wear and tear, along with checking tire pressure and alignment, are essential to ensuring your vehicle’s safety on the road and helping to improve...

Be Car Care Aware Before Your Holiday Road Trip

The holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about your vehicle making it over the river and through the woods in time for dinner at grandma’s house. The Car Care Council recommends that before hitting the road for the holidays,...

Driving in Winter Wonderland Takes Preparation

After two of the worst winters ever in many parts of the country, the Car Care Council suggests that motorists take a little extra time now to make sure their vehicles are prepared for the unexpected when weather arrives. “The last two...

Are You a Severe Driver?

Things change, including the way we use our cars, how we drive them and the condition of our roads. Although normal driving is defined as steady driving in non-extreme weather or environments, for most motorists today, being a severe driver is more...

Getting Kids Involved With Car Care

New drivers love their cars, but they typically don’t realize what it takes to maintain them. The Car Care Council recommends having fun teaching children about the importance of car care long before they can drive so they know how routine...

Is Your Car Pet Ready?

The non-profit Car Care Council suggests the following tips for drivers planning a road trip with the family pet so that all passengers can remain comfortable in the close quarters of a vehicle interior. “Before you and your pet hit the...
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