Rear Brake Pad Service Available at Russ Darrow Metro Mazda
The Changing Face of Rear Brake Pad Replacement
Car manufacturers are on a quest to make the parts on your car last longer, and in so doing, extend the time you can go between scheduled services. Oil no longer has to be changed every 3,000 miles. Spark plugs can last 100,000 miles. Coolants come in several formulations and colors, and remain effective for 150,000 miles before the radiator needs flushing. But brakes? Front and rear brake pads still wear out and need replacing, Front pads always used to wear out before rear ones. But now, some drivers find their car needs rear brake pad replacement first. So it looks like something has changed after all.
The Mechanics of Braking
Both front and rear brake pads are made of the same material, which in most of today's cars is a bonded mix of steel, graphite, copper, and iron. However, they differ in size, with the front pads being larger, and usually of a different shape than the rear. This corresponds to the size and shape of their respective brake calipers. The brake calipers are also important in slowing or bringing the car to a stop since every time you step on the brake pedal, it causes the calipers to squeeze the pads into the brake discs, creating friction which slows or stops the car.
Front Brake Pads Carry a Heavy Burden
Up until now, front brake pads could be expected to need replacing more often since the weight of the car shifts forward each time the brake is applied in order to pressure the disc. Because of this, aggressive drivers find they need brake pad replacement more often, especially if they wait until the last second to come to a halt at a stop sign or traffic light, Speaking of traffic, if you drive in our Milwaukee stop-and-go rush hour traffic, you 'll be coming in for brake pad replacement more often too.
Rear Brake Pad Replacement is Catching Up
Lately, we are seeing more customers come in for rear brake pad replacement. It's not that there's anything wrong with their Mazda. It's because anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have been a game-changer. They are definitely a boon to safety since they prevent dangerous skidding. And while we wouldn't have it any other way, they also shift the burden to the rear brakes. ABS keeps watch over the rear brakes and if they start to lock up when heavy pressure is applied, or on wet or slippery surfaces, it kicks in, and sends pressure to the rear wheels to prevent them from skidding. This allows the car to come to a stop in a shorter distance but it also increases rear brake pad wear dramatically. So if you have ABS, don't be surprised if your rear brake pads need replacing before your front brake pads do.
Now while oil changes, radiator flushes, and filter replacements are important, and Russ Darrow Mazda service managers would never suggest you forego them, delaying these services would not be as dangerous as delaying front or rear brake pad replacement. You never know when your brakes might be the only thing that comes between you and a tragic car accident, so please don't delay. If you need brake pad replacement, do not pass go, come straight into Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee. We're a short drive from Brookfield, Wauwatosa, Menomonee Falls, and West Allis.