August 14, 2024
You have recently polished and cleaned your car, and only a few days later, you notice unsightly black spots covering the wheels and lower body panels. This is acknowledged as brake dust and is an unavoidable consequence of braking. However, it can cause damage to the vehicle’s appearance if it is left unchecked.
It is vital to understand what the best brake pads do and how they appear on the vehicle. Brake dust may be a persistent issue for vehicle owners, affecting the performance and appearance of their cars. Understanding the effects and causes of car brakes dust is crucial. So, let’s take a deep dive into this without further ado.
What Is Brake Dust?
If we put it simply, brake dust is the combination of friction elements from the brake pads and the iron particles from the surface of the rotors that are shed during the heat generation and friction developed through the braking applications. The microscopic particles collect over time, presenting a dark-coloured film on the rims, callipers, and other suspension and braking components.
Along with resulting in unsightly dull and dirty rims, brake dust may cause other issues. The metallic ones are corrosive and may etch to the surface of the rim, especially alloy wheels, causing damage. Consider brake pads replacement as these might also cause discolouration of the tyres.
The collection of brake dust on rotors or inside break drums can also lead to braking performance issues, as the accumulation can cause uneven braking surfaces that may result in noise and vibrations. Excessive brake dust can be a sign that there is an issue with the braking system. Sliding pins or sticking callipers can result in brake drag, which happens when the pads do not properly retract after the brake pedal has been released.
The Causes Of Brake Dust
For all the brake service and brake repair, if you want the best solution, it is always ideal to go for expert assistance. However, you should also understand how to do brake inspection and be aware of the causes of brake dust accumulation:
1. The main reason is the friction generated between the rotors and brake pads during braking. As the brake pads wear down, microscopic particles are released and form the brake dust. You should consider a decent brake fluid.
2. Various brake pad materials contribute to different amounts of brake dust. Low-, metallic, and semi-metallic brake pads produce more dust than ceramic ones. Checking on your brake system often is always a good practice.
3. Another cost of brake dust generation can be related to environmental factors such as road issues in rural areas, weather conditions, and the overall driving environment.
4. Aggressive driving habits can damage the car brake pads and increase dust generation. Frequent breaking, brakes downhill, and other things can contribute to a surge of brake dust accumulation. If things go out of hand, consider calling the ‘brake repair near me’ from your smartphone.
Effects Of Brake Dust On Your Car
Now that we know the reasons for the accumulation of brake dust let us take a look at the effects of brake dust on your vehicle:
1. Corrosion
The metal particles in the brake dust are not unsightly, but they can also lead to corrosion over time. As the particles set on the car’s surface, they can react with the moisture and other environmental materials, causing rust to form. It can negatively impact the structural integrity of the wheels and other metal components. Consider seeking expert car brake repair.
2. Paint damage
One of many reasons you should contact the auto brake repair is the paint damage caused by brake dust. The adhesive materials in brake dust may bond with the vehicle’s paint and clear coat, forming a stubborn, difficult-to-remove layer. If left unchecked, it can lead to staining and even paint damage, needing costly repair for painting again.
3. Wheels Damaged
Caused by brake dust, it is yet another reason why calling in the car brakes service is a must! The accumulation can rapidly dull the appearance of your car’s wheels, particularly if they have a shiny, special, or polished finish. The black residue can make the wheels look unkempt and detract from the car’s overall look.
Tips To Prevent The Brake Dust
When panic strikes, contacting the auto repair shop is always better. However, there are no reasons why you should not practice the following preventions:
1. Utilize a brake dust repalant
You may spray aerosol brake dust repellent onto the rims to create an impenetrable and protective layer that repels the brake dust for many weeks. However, it might not work in alloy wheels. So, consider getting in touch with auto repairs in Perth.
2. Use a break shield
If there is one thing that all the experts of a car service Perth agree with, it is the use of a break shield. These are generally metal plates between the wheel rim and the brake rotor to catch brake dust and prevent it from settling on the rims.
3. Introduce ceramic brake pads.
Another thing you can consider is changing your brake pads and bringing in one of the ceramic options. These produce very little brake dust.
Wrapping Up
So, these were everything you needed to know about brake pads. While preventive measures are always a good practice, if you are stuck, consider getting assistance from car repair Perth. Auto Repair Shop is the one-stop solution for all these cases and can help you resolve brake dust issues seamlessly.
Also Read: How To Jump Start A Car: Easy Steps?
FAQs
1. Why do some of the brake pads produce so much dust?
There are many brake pads with metallic or organic compounds that make them more effective at stopping your vehicle but also create more friction and dust.
2. Can a wheel cleaner help remove brake dust?
Consider choosing a wheel cleaner specifically created to remove brake dust. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for secure and effective use.
3. Can aggressive driving create brake dust?
Aggressive driving, late driving, and too much braking can produce more heat and wear and tear to the brake pads. This follows up with increased brake dust production.