Brake repair services are essential for the safety and performance of your vehicle, but how can you tell if they are effective and worth your money? In this article, you will learn how to measure the effectiveness of brake repair services using four key indicators: brake pad thickness, brake fluid quality, brake noise and vibration, and braking distance.
One of the simplest ways to measure the effectiveness of brake repair services is to check the thickness of your brake pads. Brake pads are the parts that press against the rotors to slow down your vehicle, and they wear out over time. The recommended minimum thickness for brake pads is 3 mm, and anything below that can compromise your braking ability and damage your rotors. You can use a brake pad gauge or a ruler to measure the thickness of your brake pads, or ask your mechanic to do it for you during a service.
Another way to measure the effectiveness of brake repair services is to check the quality of your brake fluid. Brake fluid is the liquid that transfers the pressure from your brake pedal to your brake pads, and it can degrade over time due to heat, moisture, and contamination. The quality of your brake fluid can affect your braking performance and safety, as well as the lifespan of your brake system components. You can check the quality of your brake fluid by looking at its color, smell, and texture. Fresh brake fluid is clear or light amber, odorless, and smooth. Old or contaminated brake fluid is dark, has a burnt smell, and feels gritty or oily. You should replace your brake fluid every two years or 30,000 miles, or whenever you notice signs of deterioration.
There is tooling available for measuring moisture content in brake fluid. Usually, it will be a small pen like device with two metal prongs. These prongs are dipped directly into the brake fluid reservoir and have colored LEDs to indicate conditon. Anything greater than 3% moisture is deemed a fail condition.
A third way to measure the effectiveness of brake repair services is to listen and feel for any brake noise and vibration. Brake noise and vibration are usually indicators of a problem with your brake system, such as worn or warped rotors, loose or damaged calipers, or misaligned or glazed pads. Brake noise and vibration can reduce your braking efficiency and comfort, as well as cause further damage to your brake system. You should pay attention to any squeaking, grinding, scraping, or rattling sounds, or any pulsing, shaking, or wobbling sensations when you apply the brakes. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your brakes inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
After a brake service your brake pedal height should be adequate. When you step on the brake pedal you should not feel any brake pedal pulsation or vibration usually a result of improperly tort wheel lug nuts. There shouldn't be any squeaking or groaning sounds when applying the brakes indicating excessive brake component vibration. A result of somebody not replacing the hardware kit or installing the hardware kit incorrectly.
A fourth way to measure the effectiveness of brake repair services is to test your braking distance. Braking distance is the distance your vehicle travels from the moment you apply the brakes until it comes to a complete stop. Braking distance depends on several factors, such as your speed, road conditions, tire condition, and vehicle weight. However, it also reflects the condition and performance of your brake system. A shorter braking distance means your brakes are more effective and responsive, while a longer braking distance means your brakes are less effective and require more force and time to stop your vehicle. You can measure your braking distance by using a stopwatch and a measuring tape, or by using a brake tester device that attaches to your windshield. You should compare your braking distance to the standard values for your vehicle model and type, and adjust your driving habits accordingly.
If a vehicle has decreased stopping distance even though the brakes have recently been serviced, it's possible that the caliper pins were not removed cleaned and lubricated and reinstalled on a floating caliper or the slides and braces or brackets have not been cleaned and lubed on a sliding caliper system. This is important to ensure both brake pads compress against the rotor with equal force.
Ensure that the correct parts are installed when doing any replacements and oriented in the correct way. Braking complaints that occur after a recent service can be a result of install error. This may include wrong sized rotor/pads, installing pads facing the wrong way, kinking the brake line when moving the caliper on/off the bracket, etc.