At some point, the thought of doing a DIY job on your car has crossed all of our mind. While some things are really easy to do, certain car issues should be left to the experts, just to make sure you aren’t putting your car into a worse situation. This especially applies to brake pads: the type of brake pad you use depends on the kind of car you have, so it’s incredibly important to talk to a mechanic. But, since at Leale’s Transmission & Auto Services, we believe in transparency, today we’re going to let you know about some of the different kinds of brake pads and why you need to see a mechanic when you’re having issues with your brake pads, so keep reading!

What are the Different Kind of Brake Pads?

• Semi-Metallic Pads: These pads are roughly 30-65% metal compounds (steel wool, wire, copper, etc). They can last a long time, but the durability can lead to premature wear because the pads are strong. They’re also not as functional during cold climates. Usually, they’re found in fuel-economical cars.

• Non-Metallic Pads: Also known as organic pads, they’re made from glass or rubber or fiber. They’re lightweight and don’t make much noise, and are best for lightweight vehicles. However, they produce more dust and wear down more quickly.

• Low-Metallic NAO: These pads are made mostly from an organic formula mixture, with a little bit of copper or steel. This assists in the heat transfer and allows for better braking. It does add extra brake dust, and the pads can be noisier than the others.

• Ceramic Pads: Made primarily of ceramic fibers and filler materials, they’re more expensive than other pads. They’re usually found in racing or performance cars. They have the ultimate braking ability and can handle the excessive pressure on them. There’s little wear and tear on the rotors, and have a much longer lifespan and durability levels than the other brake pads.

Why Is an Expert Needed?

When you need new brake pads, it needs to be chosen based on many different variables. The type of vehicle, how it’s driven, and the weight all play into choosing the proper brake pads. For example, a lighter car doesn’t need as much force, whereas a medium-sized car would need more stopping power. SUVs need to find a good blend between brake pads with metal and noisiness. If you have a tow truck with semi-metallic pads, the vehicle wouldn’t be able to stop quickly enough because of all the weight. Not having the proper brake pads could put your safety at risk, as well as others on the road. Having an expert accurately diagnose your car and situation will allow you to have the brake pads that are most compatible with your vehicle.

Choosing the Experts

If you need reliable experts in the San Jose, CA area, look no further than Leale’s Transmission & Auto Services. We’ve been in the business for more than 50 years, so we’re sure we’ll be able to fix any sudden issues or provide maintenance for your car. If you need to book an appointment, call us at (408) 286-5353. We’d love to hear from you!

When you drive a lot, you can get used to small malfunctions with your car. Your check engine light can stay on constantly, your brakes might squeak a little, or your car might rumble a little. But if you have no issues with driving and nothing seems to be really wrong, it’s easy to ignore those issues. After all, why spend hundreds when nothing’s actually wrong? Today, Leale’s Transmission & Auto Services is going to explain just why it’s not a good idea to ignore your check engine light or squeaky brakes.

Is the Check Engine Light Really Important? Why?

If the check engine light comes on, but your car seems to be running fine, it may seem like a smart idea to just ignore it and save some money. However, that’s not really wise. When the light comes on, there’s an error code sent from the car’s computer, which can be checked with a code scanner or at an auto shop, allowing you to know exactly what’s wrong. However, it could be a wide variety of issues. Many times, it could simply be solved by checking the gas cap. It might be missing, loose, or cracked. Simply tighten it, and if it’s cracked, buy a new one for a few dollars.

If it’s not, it could be something minor but it could also be very serious. The more you wait, the worse the issue could become, making it possibly incredibly expensive to fix. Sometimes it might just be a spark plug or wire that needs to be replaced, or that an oxygen sensor is malfunctioning. If it’s the latter, while it’s a fairly quick repair, ignoring the engine light and letting the oxygen sensor stay damaged could lead to you having to pay expensive fees to fix the catalytic converter. Eventually, your car won’t run at all. Ignoring these issues can lead to an outrageous amount of money to be spent and no car to use.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Squeaky Brakes

It may seem okay to ignore some squeaking or whining from the brakes, but again, you really shouldn’t. If they’re wet and there’s moisture, it can be a one-off occurrence. But if it continues, your car needs attention. Your brakes may need servicing, or your brake pads could be worn out. If the squeaking progresses to a grinding sound, then it’s too late: you won’t need to just replace the brake pads, the rotors are probably damaged as well, which is a very costly repair. Also be on the lookout for other signs: the car pulling or dragging, vibrating brakes, and leaking fluid. While these can often easily be fixed, ignoring these is an unwise decision.

Getting Your Car Serviced

If you notice any of these warning signs and you’re unsure where to go, consider coming to Leale’s Transmission & Auto Services in San Jose, CA. Our 50+ years of experience as a family-owned and operated business means that not only are we extremely good at what we do, but that we’re also holding your best interests in mind. Give us a call at (408) 286-5353. We’d love to hear from you!

While it’s generally not the part of the car that looks attractive or catches your eye, brakes are incredibly important to make sure your car keeps functioning properly, which is why you need to pay attention to the signs that point at saying it’s time to replace your brake pads or have them checked. Not sure what they are? No worries! That’s why Leale’s is here to clue you in so you’re well-equipped to notice the warning signs.

Signs to Look Out For

• The Brake Pedal is Pulsating . If you press down on the pedal and it starts to pulsate, there’s a good chance you need new brake pads. Pulsating is when the brakes vibrate or “grab” and usually happens when the brake pads are worn out or warped because of the heat. You can have them re-machined or replaced.

• The Brakes Screech. If you hear a high-pitched sound when the brakes are depressed, that’s a sign to replace the brake pads. It’s caused by a metal shim, and the pitch can vary. However, you’ll usually hear it if your windows are closed. That said, if this only happens one time, you may not need a replacement, since if it was exposed to water, the moisture could cause that. If this happens constantly, it’s vital to go to an auto shop.

• The Brakes Make Grinding or Clicking Sounds. If there’s a clicking or rattling sound when you apply brakes, that’s a sign to get them replaced. A grinding sound means that they’re often beyond replacement, because it’s caused by the metal disc and caliper grinding together since the brake pad is completely worn down. If possible, repair or replace them before it gets to this state, because you’ll probably have to replace the rotors as well.

• The Car is Pulling. If it feels like your car wants to make turns when you drive or brake, the braking system may be compromised. It could be a stuck caliper, which causes friction on one of the wheels. It could also be a collapsed brake hose or uneven brake pads, which would put varying amount of pressures on different wheels. However, it doesn’t always have to be related to the brakes: it could mean your tires are not evenly inflated or worn down, or something could be wrong with your suspension system. No matter what, take it to a mechanic’s shop for a once-over.

• The Brake Pads are Thin. This isn’t something you can feel, but something to see. If you take a look at the brake pads through the car wheel spokes, you can see if a replacement is needed. The outside brake pad is the material against the metal rotor, so if you see less than 1/4 inch, head to a repair shop.

Where Do I Go?

If you’re looking for a reliable, experienced mechanic in the San Jose, CA area, Leale’s Transmission & Auto Service is your to-go shop. With more than 5 decades of experience, we can diagnose and repair car, truck, bus, or other vehicle, all for a fair price. Call us at (408) 286-5353 today!