Brake Repair in Laconia NH
Free Brake Check, “Stop” in If You Can
Squeaky brakes? Grinding brakes? Brake pulsation? Brake pad rust?
I write this as the thunder rolls, the lightning strikes and Union Ave is flooding with an abundance of water. It’s so important when maintaining your vehicle that you’re ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you – not only in the rain but, all driving conditions.
If you’ve ever noticed a distinct high-pitched squeaking during brake application it’s likely that you are hearing a high frequency vibration caused by the metal pads and rotors on your vehicle. Your foot presses down on the brake, with the help of brake fluid and pistons, the brake pads are pressed toward the brake rotor. When the brake rotor and pad make contact they generate friction and heat. Areas of the rotors or the pads that do not touch flush against one another can cause corrosion. If a vehicle sits for excessive lengths of time, rust can form on both pads and rotors at an increased rate. Excess corrosion (which occurs naturally on every vehicle regardless of how much it actually sits) can increase this frequency as rust is much less dense.
A brand new brake pad typically measures 12mm (15/32nd). If a mechanic has cautioned your brake pads, they’ve recorded their measurements and their condition and noted they are measuring at half of their life expectancy or “half-life” somewhere between 5-6mm. If a mechanic has recommended immediate replacement it’s likely because they’ve fallen below state inspection level (2mm).
The life expectancy of your brake pads and rotors can be controlled by a number of factors. The vehicle make and model, the type of equipment on the vehicle, driver habits, weather conditions, or type of primary driving. A vehicle that primarily sees highway usage, may not need replacing until 50,000 miles, whereas a vehicle driving through downtown Boston each day, may require replacement at 20,000 miles.
If a mechanic has noted that your front brake pads have fallen below 2mm, the recommendation you receive on paper will most likely be for a front brake pad and rotor resurface or replacement. If you replace the pads without resurfacing or replacing the rotors the new pads will not sit flush against the rotor and will cause uneven pad wear, actually minimizing the life of the new pads. There are occasions where resurfacing is not an option or a cost effective way of resolving brake concerns. Resurfacing rotors can require an excess of rotor depth being removed, possibly falling below safe rotor measurement. In these circumstances, rotor replacement is the most effective repair.
Ensure that each time your mechanic is performing routine maintenance that the wheels are removed to adequately record exact measurements and wear. At Irwin’s we ensure this occurs during our thorough multi-point inspection. This gives you a heads up when your brake pads and rotors might be starting to wear and warn you in advance of the cost and your options for future replacement.
Pay specific attention this week to how your brakes feel when applying. If there is a noticeable shimmy while slowing down, it’s possible that the rotors on your vehicle are beginning to warp. If there is a noticeable vibration felt in your seat, it’s possible that your rear rotors only are beginning to warp. There are so many things that can be noted when you take the time to listen, look and feel how your vehicle is driving and reacting.
If you’re ever curious, stop in at the Irwin Automotive Group where we will gladly show you how to properly measure and observe your brake pad and rotor wear.