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Four Reasons for Uneven Brake Pad Wear

Brake pads are something that wear down and need to be replaced, and one frustrating thing you might notice is that they don’t necessarily wear down evenly. That can sometimes cause issues with vibrations when you are stopping and other concerns. Here’s what Viking Automotive wants you to know about brake pads and how they wear.

Brake Rotors Aren’t Always Perfect

As much as it looks like auto parts are perfect when they’re brand new, there are always minor variations. What that means is that you might not see how the brake rotor isn’t perfectly straight, but the brake setup for that wheel may wear unevenly because of how they start out. 

Neither Are Brake Pads

That goes for the brake pads themselves, too. They can look even, but that doesn’t mean that they are. And over time, that difference can become a lot more obvious. This is especially true if you’re someone who tends to be tough on your brakes. Speeding and consistently stopping short can all use up your brakes and it might even cause the brake pads to wear unevenly. 

Calipers May Not Be Using Exactly Even Pressure

Your car’s brakes are a bit of a combination system. There’s the mechanical aspect of the brake pad pressing against the rotor to slow the car, but that happens because the caliper applies pressure. The caliper does so because hydraulic pressure, from brake fluid, gives the braking system extra power to do its job. Because of variations in the hydraulic system or even damage to the calipers, they may not apply even pressure to the brake pad, contributing to uneven wear.

Rotors and Pads Wear Over Time and Use

Then you have to consider the fact that brake parts are basically consumable parts. They all wear over time and as you use them, which is why they need to be replaced. Like anything that is consumable, these parts do not necessarily wear at the same pace evenly across the entire part. That means that there are still going to be minor variations in how the brake pads and the rotors connect with each other.

If you need to have your car’s brakes inspected, let us help. Give us a call today at Viking Automotive in Houston, TX. We’ll make sure that all of your brake parts are in good condition and if anything needs to be replaced, we’ll help you to understand exactly what your car needs and why.

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