National Brake Safety Awareness Month
August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month and is home to Brake Safety Week. Brakes are a critical part of every vehicle’s safe operation. During this time especially, we’d like to emphasize the importance of having a well-maintained brake system. 0-60 mph is fun, but your vehicle’s ability to go from 60-0 mph cannot be overlooked. It is useful to be able to recognize some issues you may have with your brakes, as well as possible solutions to these issues.
To help, we have How-To’s & FAQs that can assist you in making sure that your brake system is working as intended. Whether you are a seasoned pro, asking yourself “how do brakes work?”, or anywhere in between, we can help! Check out each of the articles and videos below to learn more!
WHAT IS A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT & HOW TO FIX IT
When warning lights appear, they are an indication that something needs your attention. For example, certain warning lights can indicate it’s time to replace brake pads & rotors; others can indicate something is wrong with the brake system. The FAQ page goes over what a brake warning light looks like, how to inspect possible issues related to it, and the different options to fix it. Driving with a possibly faulty brake system can put your wallet and your Most Precious Cargo at risk. Tap or click the link for a quick guide to help you diagnose the problem and resolve it quickly.
BRAKE FADE AND BRAKE FLUID BOIL
What is brake fade? What about brake fluid boil? These issues are something that vehicles can typically experience while driving long distances or especially when driving down steep declines such as mountain descents. Learn about both issues in our Towing Tips Article or check out the video we did in partnership with AutoEdits Jason above. There are things you can do to prevent brake fade and brake fluid boil from happening. Understanding why you might experience brake fade or poor braking performance is essential to preventing it from happening and regaining control of your vehicle if it does happen.
WHAT CAUSES THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PULSE OR VIBRATE?
Ever experience a brake pedal that feels like it’s pulsing or vibrating? Besides being annoying and frustrating, it can be an indication that you are having issues with your braking system. The friction materials on your brake pads are reacting to the intense heat caused under braking. See how this can affect your brake rotors and how you can resolve this issue in the FAQ here.
WHY TRUCKS THAT TOW NEED BETTER BRAKES
Any time you add weight to a vehicle by hauling a load, towing a trailer, or simply adding a larger wheel/tire combination, you change the operating conditions of your stock brake system. Those operating conditions may exceed the ability of the stock braking components. If you’re adding a lot of weight to your vehicle, the PowerStop Z36 Truck and Tow Brake Upgrade Kit is the perfect brake upgrade for your truck, SUV, or 4×4. The kit is designed to provide severe-duty stopping power with everyday driveability.
IS BRAKE ROTOR SURFACE RUST A PROBLEM?
Has your vehicle been sitting for a long period and your rotors are rusted over? Most likely it’s nothing of concern and will wipe away with normal driving. However, if the rust has gone on to cause pitting in the rotor, you have a larger issue. Read our FAQ on the different types of brake rotor rust to learn more and the possible solutions after diagnosing your brake system.
The above articles cover many of the major issues you might face with your brake system. However, this is not a complete list. We have many more resources available to help at PowerStop.com. Try out our How-To section, Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) articles, or videos for more helpful content!
Quality brakes are super important. If you are asking yourself, “what brakes do I need?”, use the PowerStop Brake Finder to find kits and components that are guaranteed to fit your vehicle and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Need help installing your new brakes? Check out our helpful installation guide.
Not comfortable installing your new PowerStop brake upgrade yourself? Our Installer Network can help you find a PowerStop Authorized Installer in your area.
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Still have questions? Contact our technical support: [email protected]
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