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When it comes to brake repairs at City Tire, we prioritize the importance of replacing both the brake pads and rotors during the same service. Even if the rotors appear to be in good condition, it is still recommended to replace them alongside the pads. Here's why:

Brake pads and rotors work together to optimize braking performance. When new pads are installed and the burnish or break-in procedure is completed, a thin layer of friction material from the pads is imprinted onto the surface of the rotor. This process continues during normal driving. By simply replacing the pads without addressing the rotors, the worn-out surface of the rotor prevents the creation of a strong transfer layer.

New brake pads typically require a fresh rotor surface to allow the pads to deposit a thin layer of friction material, enhancing braking performance. If old deposits from the previous material remain on the rotor, they can contaminate the new pads and lead to issues such as decreased performance and noise.

It's important to understand that all brake pads utilize two types of friction to stop vehicles: abrasive friction and adherent friction.

• Abrasive friction is similar to sandpaper. When the brake pads press against the rotors, it creates friction that aids in slowing down the vehicle.
• Adherent friction is more complex and can be visualized with a piece of duct tape. When you stick tape to a wall, it adheres reasonably well, but it can be easily peeled off. However, if you stick the adhesive side of the tape to itself, it forms a much stronger bond.

With adherent friction, the brake pad adheres to the thin layer of pad material on the rotor. The repeated making and breaking of these small bonds generate adhesive friction, contributing to slowing down the vehicle.

Different types of brake pads, such as semi-metallic and ceramic, rely on varying degrees of abrasive and adherent friction. Semi-metallic pads tend to use more abrasive friction and less adherent friction, while ceramic pads prioritize adherent friction over abrasive friction. However, both types employ a combination of both frictions at different temperature ranges, with abrasive friction dominant when cold and adherent friction becoming more active when the brakes are warm/hot.

Regardless of the friction formulation suited for your customer's vehicle, it is crucial to ensure the proper installation of the brake pads. Surprisingly, there have been cases where professionals inadvertently installed the brake pads backward, leading to potential issues and compromised performance.

In summary, delivering a first-class brake repair job requires both quality components and adherence to proper procedures. By replacing both the brake pads and rotors together, using new parts, and ensuring correct installation, you can provide customers with reliable and safe brake repairs at City Tire & Auto Repair.