When you need your vehicle to stop or slow down within seconds, it is essential that your brakes perform as intended. One common problem that can affect your brakes is the formation of hot spots. If these are not addressed, they could cause severe damage that requires extensive car maintenance.
How to Prevent Hot Spots and the Need for Car Maintenance
What are hot spots?
Hot spots (also known as heat spots) are areas of your brakes that have uneven wear and tear. Irregular brake pad deposits contribute to the development of these hot spots. Your brake’s deposits accumulate to excessive levels, making it difficult for the brake rotors to properly cool down.
What are the most common signs of hot spots?
Common signs that your brakes may have hot spots include noise, jerkiness, or vibrations when you apply your brakes. You may only notice these issues when braking at certain speeds. Regular tune-ups can help you to identify these early on and address them before they cause considerable damage.
How can you prevent your brakes from developing hot spots?
Following your car maintenance schedule can not only help to identify hot spots, but it will also prevent them from developing. It is also important for your mechanic to follow established bedding procedures for your brakes so that they are broken in properly. Choosing high quality brake parts may also decrease the likelihood that your brakes wear down unevenly.
What can you do about existing hot spots?
If your brakes already have hot spots, the best remedy depends on the severity of the spots. In instances where the hot spots are relatively minor, you can have your brake rotors resurfaced. Your mechanic will remove a layer of your brake rotors so that they can more effectively dissipate heat. It may also be necessary to use a different type of brake pad. For more severe hot spots, the only remedy is to replace your brake rotors.
Regular car maintenance is essential to ensure the safety of your vehicle. If you are experiencing any of the signs of hot spots mentioned above, take your vehicle to Valley Automall’s dealer service department as soon as possible. If you’re unsure whether or not your vehicle is in need of maintenance, contact us today at 702-570-2257.