What Can Happen When You Ride the Brakes?

Your car's brakes don’t just determine how smoothly it handles—they’re crucial for ensuring your safety and that of others on the road. Several factors can impact your brake system, including moisture in the brake fluid and worn-out brake pads.

Holding your foot on the brake pedal for long periods, often called "riding the brake," speeds up wear and reduces performance. This practice causes the brake system to overheat, putting extra stress on its components and fluids. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding How Brakes Work

Modern vehicles typically have either disc or drum brakes. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is sent to the caliper, forcing the brake pad against the rotor or drum. This interaction creates the friction necessary to slow your car and bring it to a stop.

With frequent use, the brake pad material wears down, producing brake dust in the process. The size of your vehicle also matters; larger cars and trucks require more friction, generating more heat in the process.

When the brakes aren’t engaged, air passing over the rotors helps dissipate heat. However, constantly pressing the brake pedal prevents this natural cooling process. Continuous friction leads to excessive heat buildup, preventing the system from cooling adequately.

The Dangers of Riding the Brake

Beyond generating friction and heat, riding the brake:

• Increases the contact between the brake pads and rotors, leading to faster wear and tear on both components.
• Impacts the entire brake system, potentially boiling the brake fluid and wearing out hoses and calipers.
• Can cause “brake pedal fade,” reducing the effectiveness of the braking system. This increases your stopping distance—or worse, could leave your car unable to stop altogether.
• May result in gas bubbles forming between the brake pads and rotors, decreasing friction and increasing the time it takes for your car to slow down.
• Over time, can lead to complete brake failure.

Repeatedly riding the brakes means your brake pads and rotors will wear out faster, requiring more frequent replacements. These parts might also develop glazing, which reduces friction. A glazed rotor or drum will need resurfacing or replacement to restore the necessary friction for stopping.

Besides the cost of repairs due to excessive wear, riding the brake:

• Can confuse other drivers who may not realize you're trying to stop.
• Decreases your car’s fuel efficiency.
• Presents a significant safety risk when driving downhill.
• Increases the likelihood of accidents.

Alternative Ways to Handle Hills and Inclines

If you frequently drive in hilly areas, consider using lower gears. To minimize wear on your brakes:

• Shift to a lower gear before descending a hill.
• Only press the brake briefly—no longer than five seconds—if your car begins to pick up speed.
• Take your foot off the gas while traveling downhill. For some vehicles, using the overdrive button can help, as the engine and transmission will handle most of the work.
• Remember that the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may activate to prevent the brakes from locking up.

In winter conditions, especially when roads are icy or snowy, you may need to apply the brakes more frequently when going downhill. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and gently press the brake to keep a steady, slow pace. If your car begins to skid or lose traction, the ABS will engage to improve control.

Worried about wear on your brake system? Let the experts at DaSilva’s Auto Body check all the components and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. Contact our Naugatuck location to book an appointment today.

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