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TALK WRENCH

IF YOU OWN AN AUTO TRANSMISSION CAR AND ARE FACING BRAKE WEAR PROBLEMS, HERE'S WHY

I've had a Wagon-R since 1999 and commute about 45 km daily. Two years ago, I opted for another one for my wife who drives a similar distance, but an automatic, for easy driving.

This car has required a brake pad replacement about a year ago and now the mechanic says it's time for a change yet again. Is there a problem with new Wagon-Rs? The first one needed only two brake pad/liner changes so far.

Vijayanand K, Mumbai

A Brakes do wear out faster in an automatic. In a stick-shift car, slowing down can be accomplished by downshifting, unlike in an automatic, where, to shed speed, you have to necessarily use the brakes.

Also, engaging forward or reverse in an auto involves the using the brakes first, to prevent the car rolling on. Also, while parked at traffic intersections, it would be advisable to engage 'neutral' or 'park' "� usually, the car is left in 'drive,' with the brakes engaged.

Individual driving habits also matter, while typically, stop-and-go traffic will wear out an automatic's brakes quicker than its manual counterpart.

Car trouble? param@business-standard.com