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 that point. It can be handy to know when your brakes are truly in need of service, so here are a couple of ways you can inspect them or at least get a reading:
Brake dust is normal and will coat wheels with a fine grayish powder. If you suspect your brakes may be wearing down, clean your wheels thoroughly with a scrub brush and 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 not, 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!
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’s often a good idea to have them replaced at the same time as you have brake service done.
Your brakes are the single most important safety feature on your car – don’t just take them for granted! They should be inspected for the overall condition at least twice a year. How long has it been for your car? Make an appointment with us at AutoTread in Birmingham, AL!
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