What percent of brake pad life is 3mm?

A new brake pad typically measures about 8 to 12 mm. At 3 mm thickness, your brake pads are nearing the end of their service life, having covered approximately 40,000 miles. It's advisable to replace them soon to maintain optimal braking performance.

Why is my dashboard brake light on?

When the brake light on your dashboard lights up, it's a sign to check your brakes. It could indicate the need for routine maintenance or a potential issue. Visit Don's Automotive Inc. for a quick diagnosis and expert resolution.

What is the 30-30-30 rule for brakes?

The 30-30-30 rule for new brakes involves making 30 gradual stops from 30 mph with each stop followed by a 30-second cooling period. This technique helps in properly bedding the brake pads and avoiding overheating.

How do I know if my car is leaking brake fluid?

A leak in your brake fluid is serious, as it reduces the effectiveness of your brakes. Signs include a decrease in braking power and a longer stopping distance. If you suspect a brake fluid leak, it's critical to have your car inspected by professionals at Don's Automotive Inc. immediately.

Why is my car pulling to one side when I am braking?

If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, this could be due to an issue with a brake hose or a caliper problem causing uneven braking. Such issues need immediate inspection to ensure safe driving.

What are the 3 types of brake pads?

The three primary types of brake pads used today are non-asbestos organic, ceramic, and semi-metallic. Each type has different characteristics suited to different driving needs and vehicle types.

Brake Repair Services | Don's Automotive Inc.

DON'S AUTOMOTIVE INC. > Top Level Auto Repair & Maintenance Services > BRAKES

Maintaining Optimal Stopping Power

Given that a vehicle's brakes are one of the most crucial safety components, ensuring the safety of our customers is our top priority. Whether your brake pads indicate the need for replacement, your brake light is on, or you feel uneasy about your vehicle's deceleration, reach out to us at 410-557-8488 or visit our Jarrettsville location. We're dedicated to promptly diagnosing the safety and reliability of your braking system.

Comprehensive Brake Repair

We provide a full range of brake repair services to ensure your vehicle performs at its best. Our services include:

Anti-Lock Brake System
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ensures your wheels keep rotating during braking, preventing skidding and providing better control. If your ABS light illuminates, visit Don's Automotive Inc. for a diagnosis and professional repair.

Brake Fluid Flushes
Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air over time, diminishing brake effectiveness and becoming corrosive, potentially harming the system. Regular brake fluid flushes are vital to ensure fresh fluid usage in your vehicle. Consult our technicians at Don's Automotive Inc. to determine the right time for a brake fluid flush.

Brake Hoses
A brake hose carries pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. A damaged hose can lead to delayed or weak braking, and a leak may result in brake failure. While the need for a replacement brake hose isn't common, any signs of cracking or wear should prompt immediate replacement.

Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement
Squealing brakes often indicate brake pad issues. When brake pads deteriorate completely, a harsh metal-on-metal grinding noise occurs during braking, indicating potential rotor or drum damage. Although experienced individuals may attempt home repairs, if you have brake concerns, it's best to consult an auto repair professional promptly.

Caliper Replacement
The brake caliper houses brake pads and clamps around the rotor to apply pressure during braking. Caliper problems can cause uneven braking, leading to skidding during braking and loss of control in adverse weather conditions. Contact Don's Automotive Inc. in Jarrettsville at your earliest convenience for assistance.

Resurface Rotors
In a disc brake system, rotors attach to your vehicle's wheels. The friction with brake pads over time creates grooves and cracks. The process of resurfacing restores rotors to a "like-new" condition, reducing noise and wobbling. At Don's Automotive Inc., we inspect your rotors thoroughly and recommend the best course of action.

Serving Jarrettsville and Surrounding Areas

At Don's Automotive Inc., we proudly serve drivers in Jarrettsville and nearby communities with trusted brake repair services. Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency repairs, we're here to keep your vehicle safe and road-ready.

Brake FAQs

Learn about some of the common questions you may have:

Why are my brakes squeaking?

Squeaking from your brakes can be caused by a variety of factors, including debris like stones caught in the caliper, or it may indicate that the brake pads are wearing thin.

Why are my brakes making a grinding noise?

A grinding noise from your brakes often means urgent maintenance is needed. This sound can indicate that the brake pads have worn down completely, causing metal-to-metal contact that can damage your rotors.

Why are my brakes vibrating?

Vibration during braking is commonly due to uneven rotor surfaces. Misshapen rotors can cause the car to shake when the brakes are applied. Resurfacing or replacing the rotors at Don's Automotive Inc. can correct this issue and restore smooth braking.

Why are my brakes making a burning smell?

A burning smell from your brakes could indicate they are overheating. If you notice this along with smoke from the wheels, it's important to pull over safely and check if the brakes have cooled. Continuous driving could lead to further damage.

What are the 3 signs that brake pads are worn?

Common indicators that it's time to replace your brake pads include hearing squeaking or grinding noises and seeing the brake warning light on your dashboard.

To learn more about our Brake services, call us at 410-557-8488 or request a quote by clicking below:

Request Quote

Discover More About Brake Repair Services At Don's Automotive Inc. in Jarrettsville

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Don's Automotive Inc.

4049 Federal Hill Road
Jarrettsville, MD 21084
410-557-8488
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Vehicle tips
- According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.
- The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)
- Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.
- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.
- Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.
- A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
- Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.
- Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.
- Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
- Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.
- Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
- Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.
- Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.
- Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.
- Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
- Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
- Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.
- Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.
- Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.
- Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.
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