Auto Repair 101 is a reader friendly blog about auto repair by Carolina Tire and Auto, Charlotte's # 1 rated auto center. Use this free information and opinions to help the consumer better understand their car, truck or SUV.
Sometimes referred to as Brake, Brakes, Pads, Pad
Brake pads are located in the brake calipers at each wheel. Each time the brakes are applied, brake pad material wears down.
As the brakes are applied, brake pads come into contact with the brake rotor to slow the vehicle down. The brake rotor (or disc) is comparable to the rim of a bicycle tire. And as with a bicycle, the harder the brakes are applied, the quicker the vehicle stops.
Brake pad material wears out over time. Brake pads should be periodically inspected for wear, which is highly variable and depends on vehicle weight and driver habits. Brake pads must be replaced before the friction material is worn away completely. If it isn't, metal-to-metal contact will occur between the brake rotor and the worn-out brake pad. If metal-to-metal contact occurs, the brake rotor will be damaged. It will then need to be resurfaced or replaced.
To replace the brake pads, the wheel is removed to gain access to the brake calipers. The brake pads are withdrawn from the brake calipers, and the calipers, brake hardware, and brake rotors are inspected for damage and wear.
Repair shops will often refer to brake pad wear as a percentage of material remaining. We recommend replacing the brake pads when there is 25 percent or less material remaining.
The brake rotors should be inspected when the pads are replaced, and depending on their condition, they may need resurfacing or replacement.
We recommend braking gently for the first 40 to 50 miles of driving on new pads. This will allow them to adjust to the rotors and help prevent squeaking.
Brake pads will wear out more quickly as they age. The second half of a brake pad will wear away more quickly than the first.
Brake repairs are commonly offered at promotional prices that may be lower than the RepairPrice Estimate. Make sure you understand exactly which services are included/excluded in the advertised price.
Worn brake pads can result in a loud squeaking or grinding noise while driving, especially at low speeds. Replacing your brake pads early may prevent the brake rotors from being worn or damaged beyond repair.
Scheduled maintenance, or preventative maintenance, is the regular schedule of services that vehicle manufacturers prescribe to keep a car running well and safely. Maintenance schedules vary by vehicle, driving style, and driving conditions.
When it comes to maintenance advice, consumers are confronted with numerous recommendations and opinions. When the owners manual recommends one type of service, a quick lube franchise recommends a second, and the dealership advises a third, it’s no wonder consumers are afraid they’ll be ripped off by paying for a service they don’t really need. Sometimes it’s impossible to know who’s telling the truth and who isn’t.
The truth is in the owners manual. Manufacturers define maintenance schedules for your car, not dealerships—and certainly not quick lube franchises. Most manufacturers divide maintenance schedules into “normal” and “severe” driving conditions.
You might think the conditions you put your car under aren’t considered severe, but if you frequently do any of the following, then your car maintenance should indeed follow the "severe" driving conditions schedule:
Surprised? Many people are.
If the above conditions are severe, then what’s normal?
In order to make the most informed decisions about your car’s maintenance schedule, determine what your expectations and priorities are. A mother with small children may make decisions based on safety. A person commuting to work may be concerned about fuel economy. A student might make maintenance decisions based on cash flow—or lack thereof. Each of us has different priorities and circumstances.
As sensible car owners, we all must assume responsibility for doing the basics. Periodically checking tire pressure, engine oil, and coolant levels can dramatically increase the life of your car and potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. And not only does a well-maintained car last longer and save money in the long run, it’s also much safer for both you and your passengers.
So you're a Charlotte do-it-yourselfer who just completed an oil change in your very own garage. Job well done. Time to celebrate? No, it's time to clean up.
After any automotive repair, there are sure to be a few spills to wipe, tools to be cleaned and liquids to be disposed of. After your next repair, be sure to take your cleanup duties with the same vigor as the repair for the safety of your family and your community.
When disposing of fluids, be mindful of the potential environmental impacts of your actions. Pouring your used oil down the drain or outside of your house is not only dangerous to your health but the health of your family, but really detrimental to the environment. Instead, try dropping off your used oil at an automotive-repair shop like Carolina Tire & Auto. They are equipped with oil-recycling centers, similar to the ones used in NASCAR, and will accept and recycle your oil for you, often at no charge.
NASCAR's official trackside environmental services provider, Safety-Kleen ensures proper disposal of oil, brake fluid, oil filters, coolant and cleaning solvents at NASCAR-sanctioned events, collecting and re-refining 170,000 gallons of race car oil annually. In addition, Safety-Kleen also offers both aqueous and solvent based parts cleaners to help you clean those hard to reach places on your tools and components.
Follow the lead of NASCAR teams and Carolina Tire & Auto today, and find out how you can make your next do-it-yourself auto-repair job as environmentally sound as possible. For more information on fluid recycling and parts washers, or tips on how to keep your workspace clean and safe, please visit www.Safety-Kleen.com or www.carolina-tire.com
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Special Offer for Mercedes Owners: 10% Off Labor On Your First Time Service With Us!Located in Charlotte, NC Carolina Tire & Auto provides expert Mercedes repair and service to the Charlotte area. With over 18 years experience in Mercedes repair near Charlotte we have established a reputation of honesty with fair pricing and high quality service. We stand behind our work and guarantee our Mercedes repair and service and pride ourselves on surpassing our customer’s expectations.
Why Choose Carolina Tire & Auto for Your |
Good brakes are crucial to keeping a vehicle under control when driving—especially on snow- or ice-covered roads. In recognition of October as Car Care Month, Carolina Tire & Auto encourages motorists to have our certified technicians inspect your brakes to ensure they are ready for any slick roads in Charlotte during Winter.
"Brake components that are badly worn, or a brake system in need of hydraulic fluid, may not provide the level of control needed for safe winter driving," said Jim Seidel, president, Carolina Tire & Auto. "Slick roads can magnify brake system problems, so it's important to have brakes inspected annually by a qualified technician. There's no better time to do that than before winter weather arrives."
Warning Signs
Often the first sign of worn brakes is a brake pedal that seems to require more pressure to stop the vehicle. Scraping, squeaking or chirping noises that come from the wheels when the brakes are applied are other signs of potentially excessive brake wear. A car that pulls to the left or right when the brakes are applied also could mean trouble.
Motorists should not wait until the brake warning light in their vehicle illuminates to have their brakes inspected.
Brake for Careful Inspection, Maintenance
Because brakes cannot be thoroughly inspected without removing the wheels, Charlotte, NC motorists should specifically ask for an annual brake inspection when taking their vehicle into Carolina Tire & Auto for service. The braking components that our certified technician should inspect include:
Master Cylinder – The brake fluid reservoir should be checked periodically to ensure proper fluid levels.
Brake Lines – Steel brake tubing running from the master cylinder to all four wheels should be inspected for leaks caused by damage or rust.
Brake Hoses – Rubber brake hoses running from the brake lines to the brake calipers and wheel cylinders should be inspected for wearing or cracking.
Lining and Pads – Brake components that create friction and dissipate heat should be checked for uneven or excessive wear. Glazing or contamination from leaking brake fluid or grease seals are other potential problems.
Parking Brake –The parking brake operation should be checked and adjusted if necessary.
Having the brake fluid flushed is an important maintenance item that many Charlotte drivers overlook. Brake fluid absorbs water that collects at low points in the hydraulic system where it can cause rust, fluid leaks and, if not prevented, brake failure. On vehicles with antilock brakes, moisture in the brake fluid also can damage expensive electro-hydraulic control units. For this reason, most manufacturers recommend that the brake system be flushed and new fluid installed every two to three years. Check the owner's manual in your car for the recommended service interval.
Save Your Brakes, and Money, with Good Driving Habits
The same friction that brakes use to stop a vehicle causes brake components to wear out and need replacement. However, good driving habits can make brakes last longer and reduce repair expenses.
When stopping, slow the vehicle gradually instead of suddenly. It's also a good idea not to "ride" the brakes on steep hills. Downshifting can help slow the car and limit the amount of braking that is needed.
Brush up on Winter Braking Techniques
Before winter weather gets here, it's important for drivers to brush on the proper braking and steering techniques that can be critical to their safety when driving on ice on snow.
As Charlotte's # 1 ranked auto repair and service center, trust Carolina Tire & Auto to give you the best in car care in all of Charlotte, even surpassing all new car dealerships.
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When you invest in a BMW, you can drive confidently knowing your vehicle can be serviced by BMW experts at Carolina Tire & Auto.
Below is a great example of what we can work on and what we can save you in auto repair on your BMW in Charlotte, NC.
