It’s a fact: brakes are your car’s most important safety feature. You depend on them every time you drive. Anything that gets used that often is eventually going to wear out and require service.
Brake Basics
Understanding how your brakes work will help illustrate why uneven brake pad wear is a common problem, and an important one to fix.
Disc brakes consist of three primary components that work together to bring your vehicle to a stop:
- Brake calipers
- Brake pads
- A metallic disc or rotor
Located inside the calipers, the pads clamp down on the disc or rotor. This friction delivers stopping power.
Since brake pads are constantly subjected to pressure and friction, they are going to wear down. It’s important to routinely inspect them and be on the lookout for uneven brake pad wear. A few signs that indicate it may be time to have a brake inspection and, perhaps, the brake pads replaced are:
- Car shakes while braking
- Squealing when you press the brake pedal
- A metallic scraping sound indicating the pads are worn to the point where the metal backing plate is contacting the rotor
When You Sense a Brake Problem, Get to Jiffy Lube®.
As brakes are the most important safety feature, you should have them checked promptly if you hear squeaking or squealing as you come to a stop. Your timely response will not only help keep you safe, but it could also save you money on more costly repairs. With more than 2,000 locations nationwide, there’s sure to be a Jiffy Lube near you, making it convenient for a trained technician to inspect your car’s most important safety feature.
Even if you don’t hear unusual or annoying sounds, you should have your brakes checked once or twice a year, or as outlined in your vehicle owner's manual. If you can't locate your manual, don't worry: Jiffy Lube technicians can access your vehicle's maintenance schedule and the recommended service procedures.
What Causes Uneven Brake Pad Wear and How to Fix?
A variation in disc thickness can result from the rotors chewing away at the brake pads as they make contact with the uneven spots on the rotor, causing the brake pads to wear unevenly.
Depending on the extent of this thickness variation, and its impact on the brake pads, the rotors can usually be machined to correct the condition.
Although, you may find that rotor replacement is the more time and cost-effective way to address this problem.
Improper Operation of the Calipers Can Result in Uneven Brake Pad Wear.
Another scenario which may lead to uneven brake pad wear is the caliper components such as the guide pins can seize. This can cause the brake pad to drag along the rotor even when the brakes aren’t being applied. What happens? You guessed it: uneven brake pad wear.
During brake pad replacement — whether you do it yourself or have it done professionally — be sure the caliper guide pins are checked.
- If one or both guide pins are seized, remove and lubricate them
- If they’re worn, replace them
Turn to Jiffy Lube for Brake Inspection.
As we mentioned don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle to Jiffy Lube at the first sign of brake trouble. It’s generally recommended that your brakes be checked, along with regular tire rotation, once or twice a year. The recommended interval for your specific vehicle can be found in your owner’s manual.
Here’s what to expect when you come into Jiffy Lube®:
- You’ll be asked about your driving style because the way you drive can have a major impact on your brakes. For example, stop-and-go driving, traveling over hills and mountains, or hauling heavy loads can all put a strain on your brakes.
- A visual inspection of your brake system will be performed (wheels on).
- A more thorough inspection will occur if a tire rotation is being performed.
- Brake fluid will be tested for moisture content and/or additive package strength (through copper content testing).
- In some cases, a more thorough inspection — including the parking brake — may be recommended.
- Service options will be presented to you in writing. No work will be performed without your approval.
- If service is approved and performed, your vehicle will be test driven both before and after the brake service. This allows the Jiffy Lube technician to perform a complete brake diagnostic and ensures that when your car is returned to you, it’s performing as designed.
Taking care of your brakes is key to keeping you and your passengers safe and secure!
Read More About It.
Now you know what causes uneven brake pad wear. Ready to learn how to check the brake fluid?
Please note: Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube® service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific services offered.