Disclaimer

This article is informative and cannot be mixed to professional automotive advice or service. Brake replacement is not something that should be tried out at home unless there is a training or equipment to back it up. The brake system is complicated and a vital part of a car. It is always essential to get in touch with a certified mechanic or a reliable auto shop such as Berks Auto Repair in Reading, PA to get proper maintenance

Brakes 101: Time to Change Out Your Brake Pads & Rotors

Brakes are one of the most important vehicle parts as far as safety is concerned. Badly worn brake pads or damaged rotors may lower the braking effectiveness, lengthen the stopping distance and expose you to danger on the road along with other road users. Be it a DIY enthusiast or a person who is only interested in knowing the symptoms before visiting a mechanic, this list prepared by Berks Auto Repair covers all the essentials on brake pad and rotor maintenance.

The Reasons Why Brake Maintenance is Important

Your brake is a combination of both hydraulic and mechanical forms of brake which act in coordination to bring your car to a halt. Brake pads push against the rotors (or discs) and make them expand (through friction) and slow down your wheels. With time, the two parts get worn off and have to be checked, fixed or replaced.

Failure to take the necessary care of your brakes may result in warping of the rotors, metal on metal contact and expensive repair costs, just to mention a few.

Indicators Your Brake pads are Worn out

The way to know when your brake pads have spoiled is by the following:

• Squeaking or Screeching: The built in wear indicator is probably contacting the rotor.
• Grinding Sounds: Represents that the pads are ground, and the metal back plate is grinding against the rotor.
• Loss of Responsiveness: To come to a stop this requires more distance or force.
• Vibration During Braking: This may mean either an uneven pad wear or a warped rotor.
• Dashboard Brake Warning Light: In some cars there are already sensors that reminds you when the pads are thin.

The DIY Guide to Brake Pad Inspection

You can examine your brake pads in a home garage using the minimum set of tools:

• Use Level Parking Surface: Set parking brake and put on wheel chocks behind the wheels.
• Dislodge the Tire: Using a jack raise the car and unscrew the wheel to reach the brakes.
• Check Pad Thickness: Use the caliper and have a look at the brake pads. In case the pad lining is below 1/4 inches in thickness, they are supposed to be replaced.
• Seek Irregular Wear: Pads are supposed to wear even; irregular wear possibly indicates that your calipers require service.

Warning: Ensure safety gear is worn and check your vehicles manual. In the case of doubt, consult an expert such as Berks Auto Repair.

Knowing When Rotors are to Be Changed

Rotors last longer than pads but they will have to be replaced at some point:

• Scoring or Grooves: Deep lines in the surface of the rotor indicates that it is worn out.
• Blue Discoloration: Is a sign of overheating due to uncontrolled friction.
• Steering Wheel Vibration: When rotors are warped, the steering wheel may vibrate causing the feeling of shuddering.
• More Stopping Distance: A poor braking mechanism may imply that the rotors are very thin.

DIY Rotor Thickness Measure

To measure the thickness of the rotor, you will have to use a micrometre or a calliper tool:

• Take out Brake Caliper: Do it safely by referring to your car manual.
• Micrometer: Measure the several points of rotor.
• Compared to Minimum Spec: Both appear in your owner s manual or stamped on the rotor hub. In case it is less than the minimum thickness, re-place the rotor.

When to Change Brake pads and Brake Rotors?

• Brake Pads: 25,000-70,000 miles, depending on old habits, and the pad quality.
• Brake Rotors: They typically last twice or three times as long as pads but they should be turned or replaced every 50,000 to 70,000 miles.

Adhere to your car model and age-related maintenance schedule or seek advice at Berks Auto Repair.

Last Advice on Brake DIY

• Employ superior quality components of well-reputed vendors.
• Before replacing pads and during pad replacement, lubricate calliper pins.
• Replace both pads on an axle (both front and rear) whenever possible.
• Bleed brakes in case a fluid was drained, or some air entered the system.

Are you Ready for a Safe Stop?

When you hear strange noises or simply want to know the brake systems are good to go, we are the auto repair shop you come to get professional inspection, repairs, and replacements done in the Reading, PA area.