DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS SURROUNDING THE BRAKING SYSTEM

There are countless misconceptions regarding your vehicle, especially about your brakes, that are being spread day and night. It's hard for most of us to distinguish between wrong and right, so we usually go off of what others tell us. Well -- our certified team of professionals is here to put a stop to these common myths!


#1: "Brake pads need to warm up first."

This is FALSE. The brakes on the average car produce enough friction to stop your car even in freezing climates. It doesn't matter whether it is cold or hot; your brakes will bring your vehicle to a stop if the brakes are in good condition.

#2: "Wet brakes will increase your stopping time."

It takes about 3x longer to break on wet surfaces than dry ones, but not because your brake system is wet. When your rotor gets damp, the water gets flung off by the intense force of your spinning wheels. Your stopping distance is compromised due to a loss of tire traction, not wet brakes. On wet or slippery roads, you should still decrease your speed to gain more traction.

#3: "Just add lubricant to stop your noisy brakes."

Basting your brake pads and calipers will not solve your noisy brake issue for good. In fact, adding too much can hurt your brakes by slowing down your braking time.

#4: "Your brakes are government-regulated."

Surprisingly, there are no government-mandated laws regarding brake pad performance. It makes you wonder whether there should be one because of how essential brakes are for your safety.

#5: "Braking noises are always caused by your brake pads."

Though some braking noise could be caused by brake pads, they aren't the only viable source. Your brake pads are built with marks that will rub against the rotor when they've been worn down to indicate the need for a replacement. As a result, you will hear a high-pitched squealing noise that sounds like it's coming from your wheels. Other high-frequency sounds can also be caused by thinner braking system parts, such as the rotor or the caliper.

Are you experiencing brake problems? Our certified technicians can help you identify your brake problem and reduce excess brake noise with a proper brake inspection and repair service. Please give us a call or visit Fadely's Auto Masters today!

Written by Fadely's Auto Masters