Does anyone know which which method will make brake pads last longer:
1) push on the brake petal easy & slow down from a distance.
2) push on the brake petal harder from a shorter distance.

I was confused by this, my dad stops harder from a short distance & I usually push on the petal from a long distance & slow down slowly.

 

Choose number one. Fast hard brake builds up heat which will cause the pads to wear. In addition to fast hard brake if done in numerous succession you will have "brake fade". Pads become hot and feel like a sponge when you apply the brakes. Very dangerous.

 

But, wouldn't the brakes get hotter & hotter since I will take some time to slow down if done the 1st way.

 

why care...drive it like you want new pads are just about $20.00 but no1 is about right..I usally coast some then put on the brakes

 

Just wondering.

 

Road racing guys will probably have different opinions about that though. Some like to carry as much speed as possible into the corners im an effort to close the gap between he and the guy in front of him.
Since we're talking about street cars here, I would say use method #1

 

if youre that concerned about saving your brakes, downshift to slow down also.

 

THink about a lathe.. If you want to shave a bunch of material off, you press lightly and keep progressing... If you jam the cutting tool on there, it just stops...

 

acually in racing its go fast into the corner and then hit the brakes hard but not lock them puts a lot of weight on the front tires giving them grip...now if you are driving regularly...then don't hold down the brake for a long period of time and don't be gassing it with braking it...this can create a glase(sp..i'm suck at spelling) that will cause your car to not grip at well during braking...which is why power braking can't be done all the time