How Should New Brakes Feel?

Brake issues aren’t something that should be put off for later. Once you hear a squealing or grinding noise, schedule service for a brake replacement. However, once you replace your brakes, you may wonder, “How should new brakes feel?” After getting new brakes installed, it can take a few hundred miles before the brakes are properly settled in. Follow our brake guide at Duncan Chevrolet Co., Inc., and we’ll answer questions like, “What causes brake pedal pulsation?” and “Can worn brake pads cause a soft pedal?” Don’t hesitate to contact our service team if you have any questions. 

What Do New Brakes Feel Like?

While you shouldn’t have to apply more force on the brake pads to stop during your Amarillo commutes, new brakes can have a slightly “spongier” feel within the first couple hundred miles. New brakes can take some time to “seat” because the brake lining still needs to conform to the surface of the brake rotors. This is a normal function of your brakes, and “seating” occurs naturally while you drive steadily with careful braking. Try not to wait until the last second to apply your brakes or stomp on your brakes for the first hundred miles, or you may risk overheating or “glazing” the brake pads. 

If you decide a different type of brake is right for your %%di_make%% performance, you may notice a difference in brake feel as well. Changing from a carbon-Kevlar (non-asbestos organic) or ceramic composite pad has a softer feel than a harder semi-metallic pad.

Pulsating Brake Pedal While Braking

What causes brake pedal pulsation? Frequent hard braking or fast stops in traffic can lead to overheating that causes the warping of the rotors or brake discs. Once the brakes overheat, it can change the composition of the disc material and create discolored irregularities on the surface. The only option for stopping the pulsating brake pedal while braking is by scheduling a rotor replacement. Thankfully, our team in the Duncan Chevrolet Co., Inc. service center are experts in all things brakes. Schedule a service appointment today.

Signs You Need a Brake Replacement

It’s always good to pay attention to how your brakes feel during your Dalhart commutes. Here are some warning signs to look out for: 

• Visible wear-and-tear
• High-pitched screeching
• Slow brake response
• Brake pedal vibration
• Heavy grinding sound
• Pulling to one side

Can worn brake pads cause a soft pedal? If the pedal goes soft or goes further than normal, you may need a brake fluid flush, a brake fluid top-up, or a replacement of any worn or leaking parts. A soft pedal and any of the signs above let you know that it’s time to schedule a brake inspection as soon as possible. 

Service Your %%di_make%% at Duncan Chevrolet Co., Inc. 

Whether you need peace of mind for the odd noises coming from your vehicle or you need major brake service, trust the team at Duncan Chevrolet Co., Inc.. Our certified technicians have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to handle problems big and small. Save on your next visit with our available service specials. 

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Current Service Specials