faqs

Q: How do I know when my brakes need to be replaced?

A: The average lifespan of brake pads are 30,000 miles for the front and 50,000-60,000 for the rear, depending though on the driving style and driving conditions.

Q: I've seen my local auto parts store advertise Lifetime Warranty on brakes, how come you
do not offer the same?

A: Most places that offer this type of warranty are offering the warranty on a pad that cost pennies on the dollar of what your paying for it. And they know that these pads wear the rotors prematurely and more then likely you'll be back before long to replace those as well.

Q: My brake pads seem to be very dusty, is this normal?

A: It is normal with some pads. Some brake pad's friction materials are held together with what is called petroleum hydrocarbons, and this when hot can leave a greasy film on wheels and everything will stick to it.

-Also, as metallic formula brake pads become hot, the metallic particles tend to want to stick to metal such as alloy wheels.

-If dust is your main concern, there are new formulas that can reduce dust. At Place For Brakes we offer low dust pads, and can recommend a product that will help to alleviate your dust problem.

-In some instances though, if another variable in your braking system is insufficient or working improperly, such as damaged rotors, this can also lead to excessive dusting.

 

Q: Do I have to modify anything to install pads and/or rotors on my car?

A: No, all of our products use your stock calipers and require no modifications to install.

Q: How are pads and rotors packaged and priced, per axle or per wheel?


A: Brake pads and Brake rotors are sold per axle not per wheel.

 

(i.e. Front or Rear brake pads or Rotors are sold in (sets/pairs)


Q: Are metallic pads damaging to rotors?

A: Yes, they can be. If you examine a cheaply made metallic pad you can see and feel the size of wire and steel particles in the mix on the pad. Then you compare it to a premium brake pad and the face of the pad is smooth and uniform in the mixture. Which in turn keeps the face of the rotor smooth and does not excessively ware down the rotor.

Q: What type of warranty is offered with your products?

A: Pads and rotors are covered under warranty for manufacture defects, however this warranty is only valid on items that have not already been installed. Once parts are installed the warranty is void.

Q: I'm changing my pads, do I have to change my rotors as well?

A: It is not required, however we strongly recommend that you at least turn and resurface your rotors before installing. Resurfacing a rotor can only be done a couple times though because there is only so much material on the rotor, and once the rotor has worn down too much it must be replaced.

Q: What is meant by "braking in" my brakes, and how is this done?

A: Braking in pads and/or rotors helps to reduce brake noise, extends the pad's life, and keeps the surface consistent.

Instructions for this are as follows:

-Accelerate the car to 30-40 mph then ease on the brakes until the car almost stops.

-Stay off the brakes for at least 30 seconds to let the brakes cool

-Then repeat these two steps five times with no sudden or hard braking.

-After that take the car to about 55mph then slowing brake down to 20mph

-Again try to stay off the brakes for at least 30 seconds to let the brakes cool.

-And repeat these last two steps five times.

-Park the car and do not drive it for at least one hour to allow the system to completely cool.

 

Q:Does brake fluid need to be changed?

A: Flushing the brake fluid is important just like changing other fluids in an automobile can be, and needs to be changed at certain intervals. We recommend it to be changed every two years or 24,00 miles.

 

Q: Why is torquing rotors correctly so important?

A: Not tightening lug nuts or wheel studs to the specified ft./lbs of torque advised by the car manufacturer can lead to the rotors warping, which deems the rotor almost useless and will have to most likely be replaced.

Q: When I apply the brakes I feel my steering wheel vibrate, and my mechanic wants to  turn my rotors, why does this occur, and will doing this help this situation?

A: You are describing warped rotors, which in essence the rotors become wavy and are no longer flat, so when the brakes are applied it causes a vibration. Turning warped rotors can fix it, but there has to be a cause of the warping such as the rotor being too weak, the brake system not being suited for the driving conditions, or driving style. So turning them will only be a temporary fix and the problem will persist since turning them actually takes surface off of the rotor and hence weakens them further, and is even more susceptible to warping again.