The first thing that you need to do is to check your Brake rotors. Remove the tire so that you can easily view all of the parts. I like to combine this with a regular tire rotation, but you can simply chock the wheels, jack up the tire and pull it off. With this done, take a look at the rotor. This is the round Disc Brakes that the brakes squeeze to stop the car. It should be shiny from the inside to the outer edge. Don't worry if you can see slight lines in it, this is normal wear. However, if there are any rough spots or pronounced grooves in the disc, you should replace the rotors. This is generally a simple process and rotors are not at all costly. It is a better option than having the rotors "turned" (refinished by a machine shop) because turning the rotors removes metal, making the rotor slightly thinner. Disc Brakes should always be replaced in pairs to ensure even stopping, a huge safety factor.
With the tire still off, take a look at each Brake pads. You should see a brake pad on each side of the rotor. If you follow the surface of the disc to the top, you'll see the outside pad touching the disc. If there is 1/8" or less remaining on the pad, you need new pads.
There are several brands and types of Brake rotors and pads you can get, and your budget may determine your choice. If you are looking for the best combination of braking properties, then you want to go with a ceramic brake pad. They are generally more expensive than a semi-metallic pad, but they perform better in many ways.
The author has several years of experience in the automobile industry and is regarded as an expert in the field of different Car Brake components like Brakes, Brake rotors, Brake pads, Disc Brakes, Brake disc, Brake drums, Drum Brakes, Brake shoes, Brake hose, Brake lines, stainless, Brake rotors and pads and Brake pads and rotors. |
