There are many car owners out there who put off performing brake maintenance, waiting until something goes wrong to replace their brake pads. You should avoid being one of those people. The moment you press the brake pedal, a complicated system of elements goes into motion to, well, stop your motion. Certain components need to be replaced on a regular basis to keep the system running smoothly. While preemptive service is best, you should visit the team at Hogan’s Automotive as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs.
Clunk or Rattle
The brake pads in some vehicles slide into a unique retaining mechanism to lock in place. Other times they are stabilized by using pins, nuts, or clips. In any case, the purpose of these designs is to prevent the brake pads from swaying. They will start to rattle if they somehow become loosened (perhaps after some of the supporting hardware is destroyed). As a result, whenever the brake pedal is pressed or released, a clunking noise is heard.
Longer Stopping Distance
“Brake fade” is the name given to this issue. The majority of the time, it’s a direct result of deliberately applying the brakes over a long distance without fully stopping the vehicle. Such a move may occasionally be required, especially while traveling down a winding route or down a mountainside. However, if you routinely do this—for example, if you reside in a hilly location and constantly drive downhill—it may eventually wear down your braking system. Both parts will warm up if the rotors and brake pads are forced to come into prolonged, uninterrupted contact. Over time, this reduces their capacity to create the necessary friction against one another.
Squeal or Squeak
“Wear indications” are incorporated into the manufacturing of brake pads. These parts exist solely to produce the awful squeal or squeak you hear. Metal tabs near the top of conventional brake pads serve as wear indicators. The indicator will rub against the rotor when the brake pad itself begins to wear down to a severely low level. As a result, a grating noise is produced, alerting the driver that the brake pads on their vehicle may soon become completely useless.
Located in Highland Park, NJ, Hogan’s Automotive is ready to provide quality automotive service at a reasonable price. We provide a wide range of services from engine repairs to general maintenance. You can contact us today at (732) 662-7100 to book an appointment.