All parts of your brakes, pads, rotors, calipers, pedal, and master cylinder must work together to keep you safe. If even one component isn’t working properly, you’ll experience difficulty in stopping your car. When you need a qualified brakes shop near me, visit Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Better yet, our FREE BRAKE INSPECTIONS review your entire braking system including pads, shoes, fluids and more. If you need service our ASE certified technicians will make the necessary repairs in accordance with the vehicle manufacturers recommendations.
Brake Maintenance And Servicing
Ultimately, performing routine servicing on your vehicle can extend the life of parts and save you money. This is especially true on parts subject to heat and friction like your brakes. Many experts recommend brake servicing every 18,000 miles; however, this is just a guideline. Primarily, several factors can impact this time frame:
- Driving habits
- Local weather
- Quality of parts
- Make and model of vehicle
Fundamentally, if you travel more often in cities than on highways, your parts will wear faster. Likewise, hard braking or jamming on the brakes can also shorten brake life. Furthermore, driving on steep grades and dusty roads can cause wear and damage.
In addition, humidity and wet weather can affect the longevity of brake components. We all know how slippery pavement becomes when wet. Brakes react in the same way because water acts as a lubricant. Thus, you’ll have to apply more pressure to stop wearing pads down more quickly than when driving in dry conditions.
Moreover, the quality of your parts also helps determine their lifespan. When you buy a new car, your car has original factory parts. When it’s time to replace them, you have a choice between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket parts. While many aftermarket brands produce quality parts, some use cheaper materials that wear faster.
Finally, the make and model of your vehicle can affect the longevity of your braking components. For example, cars equipped with electronic stability and traction control use the braking system to maintain control of the vehicle. While you may not be pressing on the brake pedal, these systems may activate the brakes under certain conditions. Beginning in 2012, Federal Law requires all vehicles to come equipped with these safety systems.
Signs You Need New Rotors
Many car owners understand the necessity of routinely changing their brake pads. Yet, brake rotors can also wear down even if you regularly replace the pads. You may notice any one of these signs when you need new rotors:
1. Vibration When Stopping
Does your steering wheel vibrate or shake when you step on the brake pedal? To perform properly, brake rotors must be smooth and even. When they become warped or grooved, the pads press against an uneven surface causing the shaking.
2. Grinding Noise When Braking
Typically, when metal rubs against metal you’ll get a grinding noise. When your brake pads become worn down, the metal backing plate rubs against the rotor causing the grinding noise.
3. Inconsistent Or Longer Braking Distances
Your car’s braking system relies on friction to stop. This requires your rotors to have a smooth, even surface. However, old rotors can become warped and develop grooves creating a bent and rough surface. With less friction, you’ll have a harder time stopping.
4. Warped Or Grooved Rotors
Brake rotors are a part you should have a professional inspect. To properly inspect rotors, you need to remove the wheels. Both the front and back sides must be free from warping or grooves. Moreover, your rotors must be a specific, uniform thickness to operate properly.
Brakes Shop Near Me – FAQs
Are your brakes squealing and you’re not sure what to do? When searching for a great brakes shop near me, visit Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about brakes and our services.
Do I Need To Change The Rotors Every Time I Replace The Brake Pads?
Usually, you won’t need to change your rotors as often as you replace your brake pads. While most experts recommend changing your pads every 18,000 miles, rotors can last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles. However, any issues with your braking system require a professional to inspect them right away.
Can I just Resurface My Brake Rotors?
Years ago, automakers made cars heavier with rear braking only. These vehicles required thick rotors that technicians could machine to remove grooves and even the surfaces. In the old days, motorists could have rotors resurfaced several times and still be within the minimum thickness allowance. In the push to use less fuel and make cars more efficient, manufacturers designed lighter vehicles. Consequently, today’s cars use lighter, thinner rotors that you must replace rather than resurface.
What’s The Cost And How Long Does A Complete Brake Servicing Take?
Typically, the cost and time commitment for a brake job depends on which services you need. For instance, replacing just your brake pads is a minimal expense usually taking between 30-60 minutes. However, replacing rotors, brake fluid, or any other component is more expensive and time-consuming.
When you bring your vehicle into Xpress Lube, we give you a written estimate before we begin servicing. This way you’ll know exactly how much your repair will cost and how long it’ll take.
Which Kinds Of Vehicles Can You Service?
We’re a full-service auto repair shop repairing and servicing both domestic and foreign cars, trucks, and SUVs. Our staff of 4 ASE-certified technicians can perform many repairs and maintenance tasks:
- Oil changes
- Wheel alignments
- Transmissions
- Tires
- Fuel systems
- Exhausts
- Braking system
- Air conditioners
- NC state inspections/emissions
- Suspensions
- Cooling systems
- And more!
Our goal is to provide friendly service at competitive prices. For over 25 years, we’ve been helping Kernersville residents keep their cars running efficiently and safely. Some of our customers have been using our services for years. We also have an automated car wash so you can get your car cleaned after your visit!
When you need a brakes shop near me with quality service, call Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville at 336-993-7697.