Why You Need to Maintain Brake Pads & Rotors
First and foremost, when you drive, you need care and control of your vehicle. Your braking system is what creates safe conditions for slowing down and stopping in a controlled manner. The brake pads and rotors work in concert to deliver the stopping power for your vehicle. It works like this: when a driver depresses the brake pedal, the pads will close on the rotor and create friction when they contact the rotor. The friction is what reduces speed to the point of stopping. When brake pads are worn, they can’t engage the rotor, as there is little or nothing on the pad to create the resistance needed. In some cases, the worn pads will take longer to slow the car, and this increases the chances of a collision should you not be able to stop in time.
When Should You Replace Brake Pads & Rotors
The age-old question: when to buy new brake pads and rotors should be considered in tandem. If you hear a squeaking sound or a grinding sound coming from your braking system, you know that your brake pads are wearing out and failing. What you’re hearing is the pad assembly grinding on the brake pad. Two problems here: first, the burned-out brake pads aren’t creating enough friction to slow or stop your car. Second, the extra work for the rotor in this situation wears on the rotor and will demand a replacement if driven for too long with inferior brake pads. After an extended time with old brake pads, the rotors can warp, and cause your car’s braking system to fail altogether.
To keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, you should change your brake pads every 16,000-32,000km, depending on your driving habits. The rotors, on the other hand, can last for at least 80,000-100,000km – as long as they aren’t damaged by pads that have reached the end of the life cycle.
At Modern Automotive, we will ask you about your driving habits to create the best solution for your automotive problems. Call our auto body shop, at Modern Automotive today, to book your service call for brake pads and rotors at 905.660.6100
Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention
Even if you follow a regular maintenance schedule, your vehicle's brake rotors and pads will eventually experience wear that requires immediate servicing. In addition to the grinding or squealing noises, check for vibrations on the brake pedal or steering wheel. A pulsating pedal will typically indicate warped rotors, which can ruin your car's stopping ability. Pulling to one side while braking is also a warning sign, typically caused by uneven rotor wear or frozen calipers.
Disregarding these warning signs will cost you more than just noisy brakes. Over time, worn-out pads and destroyed rotors impair your braking efficiency, increase stopping time, and subject other components like calipers and brake lines to increased stress. Worst case, a sudden brake failure could put your life and that of your passengers at risk.
We use proactive maintenance at Modern Automotive. Our trained technicians will thoroughly inspect your brake system, measure the rotor thickness, check for pad wear, and recommend the most ideal replacement options based on your driving conditions and vehicle type. With high-performance ceramic pads for city driving, semi-metallic for long life, racing braking systems, tow-duty and off-road capability rotors, we will ensure that your brakes perform both safely and reliably.
Don't wait until it's too late. Have a brake check at Modern Automotive today by phoning 905.660.6100 and have your vehicle stopping safely regardless of the road conditions.
