Back to all

Oh, Stop! (Disc Brake Service)

September 11, 2022

Every time you drive your vehicle, you wear down your brakes just a little bit.  And after a while, that adds up.  Gradually, your stopping power isn't like it used to be.  Since brakes are one of your vehicle's most important safety features, it just makes sense to keep them performing well.

Most vehicles have disc brakes.  One key component, as the name suggests, is the disc.  Most vehicles have discs on their front and rear wheels.  The discs (also called rotors) are made of metal, and each rotates with the wheel hub.  Your brakes also have pads that make contact with the rotors when you press down on the brake pedal, and the friction stops your vehicle.

After many, many stops, that friction wears down both the pads and the discs and reduces their ability to stop the way you need them to.  The discs may also become uneven from all the heat they generate, and your brakes won't stop as well as they used to when they were newer. 

Some signs that your rotors need attention include vibration at the wheels when you stop, discolored rotors (the metal looks blue), excessively hot rotors, or grooves in the metal.  If you see any of these signs, it's time to bring in your vehicle for us to inspect your brakes. 

A technician will measure the thickness and trueness of the rotors and check the surfaces for wear.  If they need to be replaced, they'll be done in pairs, so if a front rotor is bad, the other front rotor will also be replaced. Usually, your brake pads will be replaced at the same time.  You can ask your service advisor if higher-performance brakes would benefit you.

When your vehicle is at the shop, the technician will check other components of your brake system to make sure they are operating safely. Brakes are vital to the safe operation of your vehicle.  Keep them well maintained so they can be there when you need them.

Gary Knurek GoodYear
1973 Livernois
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-362-0350

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Gary Knurek, Authorized GoodYear Dealer

T for Transmission, T for Trouble (Automatic Transmission Trouble Signs)

October 12, 2025

One of the hardest working components of your vehicle is its transmission, shifting gears up and down when you need it to. The transmission is vital to your vehicle driving properly, and if you start to see signs of problems in it, its best to have them fixed earlier rather than later. (Since ne... More

Don?t Meddle with the Pedal (Brake Caliper Replacement)

October 5, 2025

If you drive a newer vehicle, chances are it has disc brakes, and one of the components of that type of brake is called a brake caliper. The caliper allows the pressure from your foot on the brake pedal to eventually move brake pads against discs in your wheels, which then slow and stop your veh... More

Mileage Headed Downhill? (What Causes Bad Fuel Economy?)

September 28, 2025

Name someone you know who enjoys spending a lot of money on gasoline. Yeah, me neither. Thats because it costs quite a bit to keep fueling your vehicle. One way to save money on gas is to get good fuel economy, and most of todays vehicles are designed to maximize your mileage. But you might f... More