Keeping control of your car ultimately comes down to maintaining the health of your brakes. The easiest way to ensure that your brake system continues to protect you on the road is to stay on top of regular brake maintenance and repair, particularly that of your brake pads and rotors, which means replacing them when the time comes. Wilson Tire & Auto in Nashville is happy to take care of your brakes, and assure you with our 3/36 guarantee.
Auto Brake System
Your car’s brake system starts working when you press down on the brake pedal. From there, hydraulic fluid, aka brake fluid, is pushed down to the brake mechanisms by the tires. From here, there are two types of brake systems, disk and drum brakes. Drum brakes use half-moon shaped “shoes” made out of friction material — metallic, organic, or ceramic — that press against the inside of the tire’s drum when the brake is pressed. Disc brakes, however, use pads made of the same friction material to press against the rotor and slow the vehicle.
Brake Pads
Brake pads are typically found on the front axle of modern cars, but it’s not uncommon to find them on the rear axle as well. They are made to create friction against the rotor, which will inevitably wear them down. If you typically drive in the city and have to start and stop a lot, or you tend to brake aggressively, or you drive in tough climates, the brake pads may wear faster than someone who drives primarily on the highway, in moderate climates, or rarely drives at all. Most brake pads will last an average of 30,000-35,000 miles with city use, though it can range up to 80,000 miles in the right conditions. Check your owner’s manual for a more accurate maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Also keep any eye and ear out for any signs that your brake pads are failing. These signs include:
- Metallic grinding or growling sounds
- Screeching or squealing sounds
- ¼ inch or less left of your brake pad
- Some cars have indicator lights to let you know your brake pads need to be replaced
Once the brake pads have worn down, or if they start to fail, it is time to get them replaced to keep your car, and everyone in it, safe.
Rotors
Rotors are circular, metal discs attached to each wheel. When you press on your brake pedal, the brake pads come together, press on, and squeeze against the rotor. The friction created between the pads and the rotor is what slows and stops the car. However, that friction also causes a great deal of heat, which the rotors dissipate. There are four kinds of rotors: blank and smooth, drilled, slotted, and drilled and slotted. If you ever need to replace your rotor on your own, there’s no need to worry; just replace your old one with the same kind you had before. Blank and smooth rotors are the most common in new passenger cars. Drilled rotors, which have small holes drilled through in a spiral pattern, work well in rainy climates. Slotted rotors, which have thin slots spiraling out from the center, work best for heavy-duty vehicles doing a lot of towing. Drilled and slotted rotors, which combine the patterns of both drilled rotors and slotted rotors, are recommended for performance vehicles.
For the average driver, your rotor will have a similar lifespan to your brake pads. Once they have worn down or taken damage, have your rotor replaced with the same type you had before, and you can get back on the road. Of course, just in case, you should be aware of signs of a failing rotor:
- Shaking when the car is stopped
- Grinding sound when braking
- Poor brake performance
- Rotor is visible rusted or thinned
- Rotor has ridges or grooves
Nashville Brake Maintenance and Warranty
To avoid failing rotors or worn down brake pads, Wilson Tire & Auto in Nashville highly recommends staying on top of your scheduled maintenance. Inspecting your full brake system regularly makes sure any early signs of wear or damage get caught early, when they are quick and easy to fix or replace, rather than when they are a costly repair or danger on the road. And, with every repair, replacement, and service, we offer an easy to understand 3 year/36,000 mile nationwide warranty to guarantee the work we’ve done for you. Or, if you’d prefer, we also have a 5 year/50,000 mile in-store warranty. We are happy to walk you through every detail on both options to make sure you know what you want, and that you get it. Give us a call or stop by for a brake inspection or learn more about our warranty options.
