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Your Brake Repair and Maintenance Specialists

Over time, both brake pads and brake rotors wear down due to friction, and they need to be inspected and replaced when necessary. Brake pads tend to wear out faster and are usually replaced more frequently than rotors. If you hear squeaking or grinding noises when braking, experience longer stopping distances, or feel vibrations in the brake pedal, it might be an indication that your brake pads and/or rotors need replacement.
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Brakes and Rotors Explained

The brake system in a car is designed to convert kinetic energy (motion) into heat energy, thus slowing down and stopping the vehicle. The primary components of the brake system include brake pads, brake calipers, brake rotors (or discs), and in some cases, brake drums and brake shoes (for rear wheels in certain vehicles).

1. Brake Pads

Brake pads are friction materials that press against the brake rotors when you apply the brakes. They are typically made of materials like ceramic, organic compounds, or metallic compounds. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is applied to the brake calipers, causing the brake pads to clamp onto the spinning rotors. This friction generates the necessary force to slow down or stop the vehicle.

2. Brake Calipers

Brake calipers are mechanical components that house the brake pads. When you apply the brakes, hydraulic fluid is forced into the calipers, causing them to squeeze the brake pads against the rotors. This action creates the friction needed to convert the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat, thus reducing its speed.

3. Brake Rotors (Brake Discs)

Brake rotors, also known as brake discs, are flat, round metal discs that are attached to the wheel hubs. They rotate along with the wheels and provide the surface against which the brake pads press. When the brake pads come into contact with the rotors, friction is generated, which in turn slows down or stops the vehicle. Brake rotors can be made of various materials, such as cast iron, composite materials, or carbon-ceramic compounds, depending on the vehicle’s performance requirements.

4. Functions of Brake Rotors

Brake rotors play a crucial role in dissipating the heat generated during braking. Excessive heat can reduce braking efficiency and cause brake fade, a situation where the braking power diminishes due to overheating. Ventilation holes or slots are often present on the surface of the rotors to help dissipate heat and prevent brake fade.

Get Your Brakes Checked by Mel Auto Care Geelong

It’s important to have your vehicle’s brakes regularly inspected and maintained by a qualified technicians. Properly functioning high-quality brakes are essential for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your brake components and ensure that your vehicle’s braking system operates effectively.

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