GIVE YOUR VEHICLE A BRAKE!

Increased power and performance of vehicles in response to customer demand coupled with pressure to reduce weight for emissions and fuel economy has placed even more emphasis on brake performance. A move by manufacturers toward larger rotors, increased service area of pads and more aggressive braking systems is a result of the adoption of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 135. That standard "requires vehicles equipped with hydraulic and electric service brakes and parking brake systems to ensure safe braking performance under normal conditions and emergency conditions" and creates an environment for increased component wear that must be serviced properly. Given the extreme conditions under which modern brake systems operate, premature or irregular wear both result from a failure to fully and properly restore the brake system to its proper operating condition. Proper restoration usually takes more than a quick pad change. Replacing all appropriate hardware, refinishing or replacing rotors as per manufacturer specs and cleaning and lubricating sliding surfaces and pins as appropriate will allow the system to function properly under the most severe loads.  However, driving patterns also play a part. Brakes on one vehicle may last substantially longer if the owner drives it easy or takes more highway trips.  If the same owner overloads the vehicle, makes short, stop-and-go trips or leaves his foot on the brake pedal, the pads inherently will have more wear and failures.