Do: Give Enough Braking Distance
What is braking distance? As the term suggests, braking distance is the length you need to fully stop your car. It takes a longer distance to bring a vehicle to a full stop than you might think. Depending on road conditions and your speed, for example, you might need the entire length of a football field to come to a complete stop.
Engine braking is one technique you can employ that can not only extend the service life of your brakes but also help ensure an adequate stopping distance between your car and other vehicles ahead. With engine braking, you decelerate by simply letting up on the accelerator pedal rather than depressing the brake pedal.
Don't: Slam the Brakes
You have places to go and people to see. But think twice before you allow your day's itinerary to steer you in the direction of aggressive driving practices — like repeated heavy braking in traffic. Doing so can put a lot of strain on your brake components, dramatically increase wear and tear, and speed up the timeline for replacement.
Riding your brake — keeping the brake pedal depressed often or continually — can also put extra strain on your brakes due to friction-generating heat that builds up in the pads and rotors. And since your brake lights will stay on as you ride the brakes, you may confuse other motorists. They won't be able to tell whether you're stopping completely or slowing.
Do: Pay Attention to Braking Performance
When you brake, does your vehicle make a squealing sound? Does braking produce a smoky smell? Are you finding yourself pressing the brake pedal farther down to get your car to stop? Does sudden braking result in your vehicle sliding too far because it isn't gripping the road effectively? Paying attention to braking signs like these is important, especially in detecting issues early before they become major repairs.
There is an exception, though. When driving a car that has anti-lock brakes, sudden stops might result in vibrating. That's to be expected with anti-lock brake systems and does not necessarily indicate an issue. But anti-lock brake systems aside, unexpected braking behavior means it's time to get your brake system and tires checked.
Don't: Ignore the Weather
Before your brake pads have the opportunity to warm up in rainy or snowy conditions, you might hear some squeaking when you brake. That's okay, provided the squeaking doesn't continue.
What's more important is paying attention to the conditions causing that squeak. Brakes cannot defy the laws of physics. If you don't adjust your driving during inclement conditions, you could hydroplane on rain-slicked roads or slide on an icy patch into a potentially dangerous situation. Slow down, stay aware, and leave extra room between your vehicle and others when roads are wet or icy.
Do: Drive with Genuine Parts
Applying correct and safe braking habits is good, but it doesn't matter much if your brakes are worn out! Whether due to bad braking habits or normal wear and tear, replacing your brakes at the right time is essential to your INFINITI's overall handling. We recommend that you buy new genuine INFINITI brake pads and parts and install them at home, or stop by your nearest service center to have our professionals take care of everything for you.