Q&A for How to Service Brakes

The technician inspects each of the pads and rotors and makes sure that they're in good health. They'll make sure that there are no divots or scoring in the rotors, and that the brake pads have good thickness. Typically, a brand new brake pad is about 12 mm thick, and the technician will make sure that the brake pads are at least 3 mm thick. From there, they'll assess everything, see what needs to be replaced, and do the repairs at the time that are necessary.

As brake pads wear down they will begin to squeak or squeal. Many brake pads are even designed with a clip that starts making these noises as an early warning sign that your pads are wearing thin. If you are experiencing these sounds while driving you should service your brakes as soon as possible.

Pads. The pads always wear out before the rotors (which may never need to be changed if you keep your brakes in good shape). Changing the rotors before the pads is like changing teeth before changing toothbrushes.

No. Vapor lock is something that happens to an engine, not a wheel part.