When you’re out driving those Plainfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, and Bloomington streets, there’s no vehicle component more integral to your safety than your brakes. They’re what affords your car the stopping power it needs for you to stay protected.
The brakes are comprised of a few different parts, including pads and rotors. However, what exactly are brake pads and rotors?
In this handy article, the Andy Mohr Collision Center team will show you.
How Do Brake Pads Work?
When you’re driving fast, there’s a lot of energy and force at play to keep your vehicle moving. In order to bring it to a complete stop, ample amounts of friction are necessary.
This is where brake pads come into play. Sandwiched between the rotors and the calipers, these key components apply pressure and friction to the rest of the brake system, causing the vehicle to slow and eventually stop.
Brake pads take a lot of punishment out on the road and are comprised of heavy-duty materials. In some cases, this may be metallics; in others, the materials may be ceramic.
Before choosing brake pads for your car, be sure to consult with your mechanic about which is the right type.
What Do Brake Rotors Do?
Brake rotors, or brake discs, are the components that your brake pads need to clamp down on in order to stop your wheels from spinning.
Typically, brake rotors will come with slits or with holes drilled into them. These openings are necessary to help the heat, gas, and water buildups around your rotors to dissipate. This prevents any excess slippage.
Knowing When Brake Components Should Be Replaced
Given the incredibly important function that they perform for your car, it’s imperative to know when your brake pads or rotors need to be replaced. Here are some of the most common signs that you should be looking (and listening) for:
- Squeaking or squealing
One of the first signs you may notice when your brakes start to go is a squeaking or squealing noise. Brake pads have their own wear indicator and when they start to get thin, it’ll start making noise. You’ll hear this practically every time you hit the brakes.
- Vibrations
One of the most common signs that your rotors are worn or warped is a vibration. You’ll feel this, as well as a pulsation in some cases, as soon as you put your foot down on the brake pedal. It’ll make your stops feel very unstable!
- Grinding
If your components have worn down to the point where you no longer hear a squeaking, things are serious. Grinding sounds mean that the wear indicator is gone, and real brake damage can start to set in.
Schedule Brake Repair Today
When Plainfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, and Bloomfield drivers think that either their brake pads or rotors may have worn down, they shouldn’t wait for a replacement. Take care of your brakes as soon as possible for your safety!
Contact Andy Mohr Collision Center today to schedule service.