7 Top Tips to Know when Using Brakes

 7 Top Tips to Know when Using Brakes: (Car Rental Uganda 2023)

7 Top Tips to Know when Using Brakes: (Car Rental Uganda 2023) are Ensure that your vehicle is light. This article give you knowledge on what to know when using Brakes on your car rental.

Having good brakes is one of the important checks to be done before starting your road trip and for some reason. A failed brake means your vehicle isn’t drivable. For this reason, you need to take very good care of your brakes. Like you take care of your life because abusing them means risking your life and other road users. The functionality of Brakes is in such a way that two surfaces cause friction. When pressed together when pushed on the Brake pedal.

The friction between two surfaces converts the energy into heat and because friction is involved. There are chances of wearing down over time. On average, Brakes can complete over 35000 miles. And several times, they can take longer or shorter depending on the driver’s habits. We bring you some important tips when using Brakes that include;

Ensure that your vehicle is light

One thing you need to keep in mind is that any extra weight in the vehicle will have an effect on your brakes. Therefore ensure that extra weight is reduced. Trailer drivers are advised to always get their brakes checked sooner than other vehicles because they carry a lot of weight. Also, avoid storing things in the vehicle for a long time and instead remove them as soon as you don’t need them in the vehicle anymore. Many drivers are unfortunately guilty of leaving unrequired luggage in the cars most times. Note that the heavier your vehicle, the harder the brakes will have to work.

Slow down

Driving faster on the road increases the chances of brakes failing and for this reason. You might need to slow down. Driving fast places much strain on the brakes because of the need to use them more often. You will keep braking when approaching slower cars, passing them. And when vehicles in front suddenly stop.

Avoid slamming your Brakes

Premature slamming of Brakes wears down Brake pads. Which means the friction between them reduces in the long run and this can be worsened when driving fast. For this reason, always drive slower and avoid slamming on the Brakes. If you must break, ensure that it is done smoothly and gradually. If possible, allow the vehicle to coast to slow down.

You can carefully study the traffic flow in the area you are driving and be able to coast to a slower speed followed by solely pushing the brake pedal. Many drivers are guilty of slamming on brakes at red lights. And on the gas as the light turn green with the hope of leaving other drivers in the dust, at stop signs, and in front of other cars. Too many, it seems like a harmless experience but this rigorous braking isn’t called for and instead should be left for the race tracks.

Ensure that Brake fluids are changed on a regular basis

Flushing or replacing brake fluids every few years (2-3 years) is highly advised by Automobile specialists, although it also depends on the vehicle’s mileage and model. However, one thing you need to keep in mind is that Brake fluids usually attract water which doesn’t only lower the efficiency of the Brakes but also brings about wearing off. This, in the long run, contributes to a faulty braking system. The more you flush your Brakes, the more effective your vehicle brake hence lasting longer as well as making road trips safer.

Avoid overriding your Car Brakes

When driving in heavy traffic or downhill, choose to slow down to a lower gear instead of riding the brakes throughout and in so doing, you will only use brakes as speed begins to increase. Riding breaks downhill is one of the fastest ways of wearing them out and also not safe because it brings about overheating and total functionality failure.

Place only one foot on the pedal

Another mistake that drivers make is driving with both their feet on the pedals- on the gas and brake pedal. Which brings about tapping of brakes more often than required for a long period of time. Make it a habit to drive with only one foot to avoid accidentally pressing on both pedals severally. Thus preserving brakes in a long run.

Avoid tailgating

While many drivers feel tailgating (trailing another car close, especially the one in front of you) is a faster way of getting to the final destination, it puts you at a risk of collision and braking hard hence taking a huge toll on your braking system.