Tire World's Tech Tips (6)

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How do I know when to replace my Brakes?

What is that Noise?

And other pressing questions about stopping.

We depend on our vehicles in many ways and expect them to stop when we push on the pedal. It's similar to turning on a light switch; you just expect the light to work.

Brakes have come a long way since the days when sticks, anchors and blocks of wood were used to slow our forward movement. We have even gone through eras when iron, cotton (in experiments) and the linings of walrus hides were employed to help us use friction to trade forward motion for heat.

With the recent annual running of the Indy 500, we know our cars can now move at well over 200 mph. While we are not totally avoiding accidents, we do know how to stop our cars with improved efficiency. Much of this innovation can be traced to the racing and flight industries.

To keep everything working well with your brake system, Tire World recommends you have your brake system inspected every 6 months and whenever you suspect a problem.

Brake noise can be squeaking, grinding, squealing, shuddering or vibrating, etc. Each can mean a minor problem, a warning that maintenance is needed or a potentially dangerous situation.

Noises or vibrations coming from the wheels or through your brake pedal or steering column can indicate a need for repairs. Increased stopping distance can also be a sign that you should see your mechanic.

On the minor end, brake dust can cause a squealing. It's important to keep the brake system clean. This helps to avoid dust as well as helping the whole system to work better by operating cooler.

Some brakes are made of harder material that is prone to being noisy and may squeak, similar to the wear indicators built into some models.

Many vehicles now have wear indicators to let drivers know when the brake's surface is getting thin and needs to be replaced. In some, a metal tab vibrates when the worn surfaces are pressed together. In other models, worn surfaces will cause the brake pedal to vibrate when pressed. Then again, some models do not have sensors to indicate wear, which increases the need for regular brake inspections.

Ask your Tire World technician what to expect with your vehicle or review your owner's manual.

Usually, it's when we've ignored wear indications that dangerous conditions result. Rivets imbedded in some types of brake surfaces become exposed and will cause a grinding, metal-on-metal sound. Worn brake surfaces should still stop your vehicle but efficiency and control will be decreased.

Driving habits can contribute to braking problems. Riding your brakes will build up heat in them. It is better to apply a moderate amount of pressure and then release to allow the brake surface to cool. This is especially important on long, steep grades where it may be wisest to shift into a lower gear and let the transmission share the job of slowing your car.

Overheated brake surfaces can warp, which is one cause of vibration, shudder or pulsing when the brake is applied. This can be annoying but typically won't create a braking problem. Warped brakes should be inspected, though, to be sure.

Warped parts can sometimes be renewed by removing small amounts of the surface until it's flat again. However, to reduce weight, most newer cars are built without enough metal to allow resurfacing.

When you come to Tire World and have us inspect your brake system, ask us to explain whatever we find that is not in order and answer any questions you may have. We can show you the worn parts, if you'd like, so you can see their condition.

Don't postpone getting problems looked into with your vehicle - especially when it comes to the braking system. Adding miles can complicate the problem.

Over time, as you learn to understand your vehicle and pay attention to how it runs, you will be more able to communicate to us what it's doing, which will help us keep you safer on the road.

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