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Considering that it takes 40-60,000 miles for your brakes’ friction material to wear to a point where they need replacement, it can be difficult to know when they are coming to the point where they are in need of service. It’s vital to the safety and performance of your brakes for you to know when they are nearing the point of needing service. Here are a few ways you can inspect them:

 

Check your brake dust. Brake dust is completely normal and will coat your wheels with a fine grayish colored powder. If you believe your brakes may be wearing down, take a scrub brush and clean your wheels thoroughly to see how much brake dust powder is generated when you start driving again.

A light coating of brake dust may mean that the friction material is worn to a point where there just isn’t much left to create dust. If you have aluminum or alloy wheels, they probably have slots or spokes (which were originally designed with the idea of ventilating brake pads and rotors). You can most likely see the brake pads and calipers through the spokes or slots. If you’re not able to see them, and you’re so inclined, go ahead and remove the wheels. The caliper is the heavy steel clamp-type mechanism that encloses part of the rotor and holds the pads. The friction material of the pads should never be less than ¼” thick – if so, it’s time to replace them. Remember to do this a couple of hours after you’ve driven the car – those pads and rotors will be very hot to the touch!

 

Check your rotors. Get a good look at the rotors at the same time. They should be smooth and glassy with no grooves, roughness or hotspots, and shouldn’t have any portions that look glazed, blackened or overheated. Considering that rotors for most models are not real expensive, it may be a good idea to have them replaced at the same time as you have your brake service done.

 

Your brakes are the single most important safety feature on your car – don’t take them for granted! After all, when you need your car to stop, you want to know it’s able to. Your brakes should be inspected for the overall condition at least twice a year. How long has it been for your car? If it’s been a while since your brakes were checked, or if you suspect it’s time for a brake service, Buckhead Tire and Auto Repair can help! Stop by the shop, give us a call, or schedule an appointment with us online today.