June 11, 2023
If you’ve ever stepped on your brake pedal and felt your vehicle vibrate, that’s a signal that you shouldn’t ignore. A pulsating brake pedal is a sign that something is wrong. Braking action should be smooth, sure, and quiet, not shaky and noisy.
Most newer vehicles have disc brakes, called that because they have a round, flat disc connected to each wheel. Those discs are the rotors. Other parts called brake pads are squeezed against those discs when you press on the brake pedal.
Remember that vibration we mentioned? That can be caused by the rotor not having a straight, true surface. Rotors can heat up from friction and warp. They can become thinner from constant wear. Rotors can rust from the elements they’re exposed to, such as rain, snow ice, and salt. They can get grooves in them from so many contacts with the pads.
The signs of worn rotors are vibrations, grooves on the rotor (which you can see sometimes through open spots in the wheel) noise such as squealing or scraping when you brake, and increased stopping distance.
While it used to be common for rotors to be machined (shaved down to restore their flat surface), newer vehicles have thinner rotors, so your service adviser may suggest you replace rotors when they start showing signs of significant wear.
Brakes are important safety equipment for every vehicle. They enhance your control while driving, so it’s important that they be regularly inspected and maintained. A good time is when you have your tires rotated. A technician can then look at all components of your brakes and recommend any service you may need to keep your brakes in top shape.
Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Whitehall
4744 E. Main Street
Whitehall, Ohio 43213
614-864-5215
http://www.tuffywhitehall.com
February 9, 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
February 2, 2025
If someone told you there was a fairly inexpensive way to improve your vehicle's handling, fuel economy and extend the life of your tires, you'd probably ask, "What do I have to do?" The answer is to rotate your tires. But you have to do it regularly. A lot of drivers think skipping tire rotatio... More
January 26, 2025
If your vehicles power goes to the rear wheels, then you have something called U-joints in the drivetrain. U-joints are connectors that allow the rotating power from your vehicles engine to deliver its power through a driveshaft to make the rear wheels rotate. You need U-joints because the surfa... More