Oh, Stop! (Disc Brake Service)
June 11, 2023
Every time you drive your vehicle, you wear down your brakes just a little bit. And after a while, that adds up. Gradually, your stopping power isn't like it used to be. Since brakes are one of your vehicle's most important safety features, it just makes sense to keep them performing well.
Most vehicles have disc brakes. One key component, as the name suggests, is the disc. Most vehicles have discs on their front and rear wheels. The discs (also called rotors) are made of metal, and each rotates with the wheel hub. Your brakes also have pads that make contact with the rotors when you press down on the brake pedal, and the friction stops your vehicle.
After many, many stops, that friction wears down both the pads and the discs and reduces their ability to stop the way you need them to. The discs may also become uneven from all the heat they generate, and your brakes won't stop as well as they used to when they were newer.
Some signs that your rotors need attention include vibration at the wheels when you stop, discolored rotors (the metal looks blue), excessively hot rotors, or grooves in the metal. If you see any of these signs, it's time to bring in your vehicle for us to inspect your brakes.
A technician will measure the thickness and trueness of the rotors and check the surfaces for wear. If they need to be replaced, they'll be done in pairs, so if a front rotor is bad, the other front rotor will also be replaced. Usually, your brake pads will be replaced at the same time. You can ask your service advisor if higher-performance brakes would benefit you.
When your vehicle is at the shop, the technician will check other components of your brake system to make sure they are operating safely. Brakes are vital to the safe operation of your vehicle. Keep them well maintained so they can be there when you need them.
Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak
3110 Rochester Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan 48073
248-585-0980
http://www.toptechautorepairroyaloak.com
Need Service?
More articles from Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak
Why is Air Not Coming Out of My Vents?
December 7, 2025
You climb inside your vehicle, start the ignition, and reach for the fan control for the heating or air conditioning. But when you try to crank it up, no air comes out of the vents. It can make for a very uncomfortable trip, whether its hot or cold outside. Its important for the comfort of you a... More
Why You Have an O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor)
November 30, 2025
If someone asked you what gas made up the largest portion of the atmosphere, what would you guess? Well, it's not oxygen; it only makes up 20.9 percent. But since we're talking about oxygen, you should know that your vehicle uses oxygen sensors to make sure your engine is running the way it shou... More
Cold Weather Vehicle No-Nos (Items to Avoid Storing in a Freezing Vehicle)
November 23, 2025
It's always easier to leave a few things in your vehicle so you'll have them on hand. But in cold weather, while it's a good idea to carry items such as a phone charger, blanket and shovel, there are some things you shouldn't store in your vehicle. Medicines and drugs. Cold temperatures can af... More