Because your GM brake pads are equipped with the brake pad warning indicator system, as soon as you hear the warning, schedule a brake repair service. If you bring your vehicle into our brake service center before the brake pad warning indicator activates, our brake specialists will inspect your brakes, and using diagnostic tools, they'll measure to see if the brake pads have 2 mm or less of material left. If so, they'll replace the brake pads. In addition, our technicians will measure the material thickness of your vehicle's brake rotors and replace them if needed.

Not necessarily. If the brake rotors show no signs of excessive wear or warping and there's sufficient material thickness left, the rotors won't need to be turned or replaced. If you haven't experienced the steering wheel vibrating or the brake pedal pulsing, you shouldn't need to have your brake rotors repaired or replaced during a routine brake pad service.

If you don't ride the brakes, which can cause excessive heat and warping of the brake rotors, and you have them regularly inspected, there's no set time frame for replacing the brake rotors. Our technicians will always inspect the condition of the brake rotors during regular brake pad maintenance and notify you if the brake rotors have damage.

The brake system has calipers, brake fluid, brake pads, and rotors that work together to stop your vehicle. If you notice the brake pedal pulse or the steering wheel shake, it means there are variations of thickness in the rotor. As the calipers push the brake fluid back through the system and it encounters the variations of thickness in the rotor, you'll feel a pedal pulsation or brake torque variation. This issue can be remedied by tuning or replacing the brake rotors.

When there's damage or excessive wear on one of the brake's systems, you'll hear a high-frequency squeal due to brake friction issues. Because the components of your vehicle's brake system are complex, it's essential to have them replaced with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for optimal fit and performance. If your vehicle has high-performance and track-capable brakes, it may be at higher risk for brake squealing even without any damage.

The life span of your brake pads is dependent on several factors, including how and where you drive. With normal driving on highways and in the city, you can expect to get between 40,000 to 60,000 miles of wear before replacing the brake pads. If you drive in mountainous terrain that requires heavy braking, drive in excessive heat, or brake frequently, you may only get 20,000 to 25,000 miles of life for your brake pads.

Unfortunately, yes, metallic brake pads and high-performance brake systems cause more damage to your vehicle's rotors. When metallic brake pads interact with the rotor, they experience higher abrasive friction, causing deterioration of the brake rotor and excessive brake dust. Most modern North American GM vehicles have non-asbestos organic pads, known as ceramic pads. These brake pads have a thin layer of material that acts as a cushion between the pad and the rotor, protecting the rotor from excessive wear.

If you have metallic brake pads, you'll have more brake dust than if your vehicle has ceramic brake pads. Not all pads are dusty; non-asbestos organic pads produce very little brake dust.

Not all brake rotors are the same. Developers of brake systems spend a significant amount of time creating internal cooling-vane designs, the thickness of the brake plates, and the grade and material specs of the cast iron used to make the brake rotor. Using OEM brake parts will reduce squeal, pedal pulse, brake dust, and wear and tear of the brake rotors and the brake system.

Do you hear brake noises in your vehicle? Do your brakes feel soft or mushy? If so, schedule an appointment with our brake service specialists at Monument Chevrolet in Pasadena, Texas. We make scheduling brake or vehicle service or brake repair a breeze with our easy-to-use online form or chat system, or by giving us a call at 832-369-8298. Our certified service experts will not only ensure your brakes are in top-notch condition, but they'll also provide various services and repairs to your vehicle. Contact us today to learn more about our brake repair and other services.