by Robert Best
Automotive braking systems are often overlooked until something goes wrong.
With quality brake services averaging $300, getting the most out of what you have makes sense. Comparing the same make and model vehicle, some drivers only get 30-40,000 miles from a set of brakes while many drivers can get 100,000 miles. Several factors are keys to longevity.
Quality of friction materials
- Heat
- Stress
- Corrosion and debris
It may help to gain an understanding of how the system was designed to be used.
Treating the brake pedal as if it were an "on-off" button is not an un-common (though incorrect) approach. It is more like a light dimmer. Light foot pressure will slow you, higher foot pressure will slow you more rapidly.If you've ever bumped into anything with you're car, you know the feeling of "mass" that the car has. If you haven't bumped into anything... I am not suggesting you do just to find out. Instead perhaps imagine dropping the car from an airplane.It takes a strong force to slow the mass, (a compact car weighs in around 2-3000 lbs & a large car or SUV often weigh 8,000 lbs or more.) down to a stop. That force is supplied by your brake system to create friction dragging the brake friction material against metal that is spinning with with wheels/tires. This generates an enormous amount of heat in a very short period of time. The amount of force input by you to the brake pedal is multiplied by the system, then distributed to the wheels.
We are often surprised to hear a comment like "I have ABS brakes, so I just step on them hard and let the ABS do its job". This does work, however it will cost you lots of extra money by using up the brakes, tires and other components much faster.
Have your brakes inspected regularly. Cars For Keeps clients have their brakes inspected at least twice a year while we perform other routine preventive maintenance. Regular inspection can prevent damage to critical braking system components. A vehicle driven for several hundred miles with brake pads worn beyond specification can allow the calipers (clamping device) to work past their normal operating range. Now we need to replace brake pads (relatively cheap), rotors (lots more money), calipers (even more cash). The bill could have been 75% less if the repairs were made when they needed to be.
Use quality parts. With all of the areas of our lives that are regulated, it is hard to believe that there are NO regulation of brake friction materials. They could literally be made from Jello (though they'd never make it past the mechanics).
The best brake pads consist of high tech ceramics. These require careful engineering to provide stopping power, longevity and noise reduction. Cheap brake pads typically are made to stop well and be quiet, but not to last or dissipate heat properly.
The Cars for Keeps Seasonal Pit Stop is designed to help ensure your brakes last as long as possible while maintaining the maximum safety for you and your family.
Happy Motoring!
