Anyone who’s ever worked as a car mechanic has seen what happens when people forget to replace the brake pads and brake hardware at the intended time. Sometimes the pad is worn so badly that the metal plate has slipped off the caliper, causing it to overextend and lock the wheels. Sometimes the piston shatters in the caliper. In some situations, the pad is completely worn and there’s nothing against the rotor except the piston, caliper, and a terrible grinding noise. These are common signs of brake failure that drivers should never ignore. Fortunately, there are ways to make brakes last longer.
From a safety perspective, when working properly and maintained, brake pads and hardware last an average of 25,000 to 40,000 miles and should always be checked at that point. Hybrid vehicles can be easier on the conventional brake components as they use regenerative electronics to slow the vehicle at higher speeds. Also, rear brake pads can be worn prematurely due to reduced airflow and vehicle load characteristics.
Regular brake inspections and timely brake pad replacement are essential to prevent costly repairs and ensure safe driving.
At Hollenshade’s Auto Service, we provide professional brake repair services for all vehicle makes and models at our Towson repair shop.
Below are four tips to save your customers’ brakes and their money.
1. Slow Down
Driving fast may be fun, but brakes pay the price. Stopping at high speeds is the #1 enemy of brakes. It will wear them out faster than anything. The energy and heat produced from repeated stopping at high speeds kills brakes before their time. Ask your auto brake repair service technician; if you want to make your brakes last longer and be a safer driver overall, slow down.
2. Penny Wise and Pound Foolish
Hearing brake noises or feeling weird vibrations when driving is a symptom of what could be a serious problem. Waiting too long to get the problem diagnosed is not only unsafe, but also poor money management because in the end, you will most likely spend more money to repair the damage. Putting old brake hardware on new brake pads is another foolish move. It costs less than $20 for new brake hardware, which has been proven to extend the life of new pads and reduce noise. Tell your customers to buy new hardware to help extend the life of the pads and brakes.
Our Towson brake mechanics recommend replacing hardware with every brake job to maximize performance and reduce noise.
3. Ride Like a Roller Coaster
You know how roller coasters use the energy from the beginning to speed through lots of twists and turns? The same principle applies to cars. Coasting without braking preserves the brakes and extends their life.
No one looks forward to coming in for brake repair services. But explaining how a driver can extend the life of their brakes and save money is a no-brainer. Quality service providers like Hollenshade’s Auto Service build trust and loyalty with their timely and quality brake repair services.
4. Mom Was Right: Buy Quality
Buying cheap brake pads or using old hardware on new ones causes the pads to wear out quickly. It also does nothing to remedy the noise of squeaky brakes. Quality brake components, especially brake clips, have special features to reduce drag and noise. Customers need to be shown which pads and hardware are right for them and why they need new brake hardware.
How to Know When Your Brakes Need Attention
It’s not always easy to know when your brakes are going bad—until it’s too late. But paying attention to early warning signs can help you avoid dangerous situations and costly repairs.
Here are some key indicators it’s time to schedule brake service:
- Squealing or grinding sounds when you press the brake pedal
- A spongy or soft brake pedal that feels different than usual
- Increased stopping distance or delayed braking response
- Vibrations or pulsing in the brake pedal or steering wheel
- Dashboard warning lights, such as the ABS or brake indicator
- A burning smell during or after hard braking
Contact Hollenshade’s for Brake Repair Services in Baltimore and Beyond
At Hollenshade’s, our expert Baltimore mechanics offer brake maintenance services at our Towson car repair shop. Whether you need a routine brake pad replacement or a full brake system inspection, our certified technicians can help.
Looking for a trusted brake shop near you? Hollenshade’s is proud to be the go-to destination for reliable brake repairs in Towson, Baltimore, and the surrounding area. Contact us to request a quote or make an appointment today.