It’s All About Brakes

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It’s All About Brakes

Michael Leech • January 30, 2017

There can be no doubt that the most important vehicle consideration from a subsystem perspective is the braking system.

Since an accident that happens at a speed 2x greater than another speed has an impact force of FOUR times the severity, slowing the car down to prevent accidents and reduce their severity is the number one safety factor.
WHY ‘O WHY then does EVERYONE look for the CHEAPEST BRAKES!?!?

When automakers design braking systems they have many engineering considerations to factor in, the weight of the car, it’s tire size, it’s width, it’s projected operating speeds, etc. They use this information to come up with the size of the brakes. But wait, there’s more!!!

With the wheel off, you can actually see the brake system components. You can see the 5 holes where the wheel would be attached to the rotor. The caliper squeezes the rotor with the pads, slowing the car down, much like a bicycle brake squeezes a bicycle wheel. The brake pad is composed of a steel backing plate with the brake friction material either glued or riveted to it. The brake friction material is a metal-like substance that is hard enough to resist braking temperatures and forces, but soft enough not to damage the brake rotor.

The actual brake pad friction material can be constructed of an almost infinite number of compounds. Different brake compounds result in different brake operating temps, different levels of friction between the pad and the rotor, and different lengths of pad service life.

This is where the quality question comes into play. Cheap steel is softer and less stiff than good quality, high carbon steel. The cost difference between cheap steel and high carbon steel or nodular iron is huge. When you buy a cheap, economy brake rotor, you are buying cheap Chinese steel, with low carbon content. The actual coal (China has a huge coal industry) is much lower quality that the coal used to make high quality steel or nodular iron. Keep that in mind, it will be important later.

Now, the actual friction compound of the pads is very important. The manufacturer will choose a friction compound to operate at a certain temperature- the brake pad will generate the most friction and last the longest in a certain temperature range- usually 400-1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The pad and rotor composition must be “paired” so that the rotor can withstand the heat that the pads generate. Pads with a “harder” friction compound generate less friction for the same temperature, resulting in higher clamping force needed to get the same “Whoa”, and will generate more heat during braking. However, harder pads last longer, which all car owners love. This is the balance the engineer must find: Longevity, temperature, friction, and clamping force.

New cars usually come with great brakes. The compound is designed specifically for that car model, and the quality and size of the brake rotor. The system is designed to work together. However, those pads are expensive, because they are made just for that car line. The pad compound is made as a liquid, in a giant vat, then formed as it cools. Now, if they change the compound everytime they make a different batch of pads, the manufacturing cost goes way up. To make less expensive brake pads and rotors, several corners are cut.

The actual design of the cheap brake pad is more simplistic- they are usually NOT slotted, shimmed, or chamfered; those are the key design features to reduce noise from the system.
The steel of the backing plate is cheaper and softer- the brake caliper will sometimes actually dig into the steel there, which will make a pad squeal like crazy- even a brand new one.
The brake compound will be a”universal” compound- NOT the exact compound the manufacturer designed for use.
The brake rotors will be made thinner, and of lower quality steel, and the design features like hub thickness and cooling fin design will be compromised.
This results in a “mismatch” of brake components, and that means reduced stopping power, reduced service life, and usually a noisy brake system.

BUT I CAN SAVE SOME MONEY!! Actually, you don’t when you look at the math. Even NOT accounting for crashing (which carries the highest possible cost- injury or death) good quality, correctly matched and correctly installed brakes last much much longer than the cheap ones. Cheap “pad slap” (brake jobs using cheap pads and not servicing the rotors) almost ALWAYS results in noisy brakes, which WILL Drive.You.Nuts. That costs around 80-100 dollars. This brake job usually will not last over 15-20 thousand miles. so the cost per mile is about 5-6 cents per ten miles for 15-20 thousand miles, then service will be needed again. So for 50k miles your total brake investment is at best 250.00, at worst it is 350.00. You’ve also had to contend with repeat visits to the auto repair shop, using your time and inconveniencing you.

Our standard ceramic brake job offers none of those concerns and offers these benefits:
The brake job will usually last 50-80 thousand miles, usually never makes noise, provides great brake feel, and the rotors seldom warp. That job costs around 280.00 for most cars. That equates to 4-5.5 cents per ten miles, and you visit the shop many fewer times over the course of your vehicle ownership. I put our very high end pads and rotors on my dad’s F-150 when it had 71k miles on it. They lasted over 80,000 miles- he sold the truck at 150k miles before they needed to be done again! That brake job wsa the highest end job we offer, with Adaptive One brand pads and Ultra Premium rotors- that brake job retail cost was just under 500 dollars. Sound like alot? 6.2 cents per ten miles, and no brake job needed for 7 years! That’s right, an average of 71 dollars per year, and NO brake noise, NO vibration, NO worn out pads, and NO unsightly brake dust to clean of the wheels before it damages the coating on them!!!

In conclusion, you get what you pay for, but when viewed from an investment perspective it is FAR better money spent to get the good stuff, AND do a FULL brake service. This results in:

Less likelihood of a crash
Better use of your time
Better use of your money!

The post It’s All About Brakes appeared first on Pro Auto Repairs.

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Why Your Steering Wheel Feels Stiff: Common Causes & Fixes in Newport News

March 20, 2025

At Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, we know that a smooth, responsive steering experience is essential for safe and comfortable driving. If you've ever encountered a stiff steering wheel, you know how concerning and frustrating it can be. Whether you're making tight turns or navigating through busy streets, a stiff steering wheel can significantly impact your driving experience. A stiff steering wheel often indicates that something isn’t quite right with your vehicle’s steering system. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common causes of a stiff steering wheel and how Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA can help you resolve the issue, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. The Importance of a Smooth Steering System Your vehicle’s steering system is a vital component for maintaining control of your car, truck, or SUV. A smooth and responsive steering system allows for precise control when navigating curves, parking, or driving at high speeds. If your steering feels stiff or unresponsive, it can make driving more difficult and potentially dangerous. Keeping your steering system in top condition is essential for your safety. Regular maintenance and addressing any steering issues promptly will ensure a more enjoyable driving experience and help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Common Causes of a Stiff Steering Wheel Several issues could cause your steering wheel to feel stiff. Let’s break down the most common causes and explain how Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA can help you address them. 1. Low Power Steering Fluid One of the most common causes of a stiff steering wheel is low or contaminated power steering fluid. Your vehicle’s power steering system relies on fluid to make steering more effortless, especially at lower speeds. If the fluid level is low or the fluid is dirty, it can cause the steering wheel to become stiff or difficult to turn. How It Happens: Power steering fluid can leak over time or degrade, reducing its effectiveness. Contaminated fluid can also cause the system to malfunction, resulting in hard steering. What to Do: If you suspect low or dirty power steering fluid, it’s essential to have it checked and replaced. At Pro Auto Repair , we can quickly assess your fluid levels, flush the system if necessary, and ensure the right fluid is added to keep your power steering system functioning smoothly. 2. Worn or Damaged Power Steering Pump The power steering pump is responsible for pushing the fluid through the power steering system. If the pump begins to wear out or break down, it can result in a stiff or unresponsive steering wheel. A faulty pump may also cause whining noises when turning the steering wheel. How It Happens: Over time, the power steering pump can become damaged due to wear and tear, excessive heat, or contamination in the fluid. What to Do: If you notice whining noises or difficulty turning the steering wheel, it's important to have your power steering pump checked. Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, can inspect your pump and replace it if necessary, restoring smooth steering. 3. Damaged Steering Rack or Tie Rods The steering rack and tie rods are essential components that connect your steering wheel to the wheels of your vehicle. If either of these parts becomes damaged, it can lead to stiff steering. A damaged steering rack can cause your steering wheel to feel tight or unresponsive, while damaged tie rods can lead to misalignment, which affects your vehicle’s handling. How It Happens: The steering rack and tie rods can become worn or damaged from age, rough driving conditions, or accidents. When they break down, your steering system will suffer, often resulting in stiffness. What to Do: If the steering rack or tie rods are damaged, it’s critical to have them replaced immediately. Pro Auto Repair offers professional steering system repairs, including steering rack replacement and tie rod replacements, to restore your vehicle's handling and steering precision. 4. Faulty Serpentine Belt The serpentine belt plays a key role in powering various components of your vehicle, including the power steering pump. If the serpentine belt becomes loose, worn, or damaged, it can prevent the power steering pump from working effectively, causing stiffness in the steering wheel. How It Happens: Over time, the serpentine belt can wear out or slip, reducing the amount of power sent to the power steering pump. This can result in reduced steering assist and make the steering wheel harder to turn. What to Do: Regular inspection and maintenance of the serpentine belt can help prevent this issue. If you notice your steering becoming stiff, have the belt checked at Pro Auto Repair , where we’ll ensure it’s properly tightened or replaced as needed. 5. Alignment Issues Your vehicle’s alignment affects how the wheels are positioned in relation to the steering components. When the wheels are misaligned, it can lead to uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, and, in some cases, a stiff steering wheel. Misalignment can also cause your vehicle to feel unstable while driving, especially at higher speeds. How It Happens: Misalignment can occur due to hitting a curb, driving over potholes, or general wear and tear on the suspension components. What to Do: If you’re experiencing a stiff steering wheel alongside pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle’s alignment checked. Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, offers professional wheel alignment services that will restore your vehicle's steering precision and improve overall handling. 6. Worn Out Steering Column or Bearings The steering column and bearings are part of the system that connects your steering wheel to the rest of your vehicle’s steering components. If these parts become worn out or damaged, it can cause the steering wheel to feel stiff or difficult to turn. How It Happens: Over time, the bearings can wear down, or the steering column can become misaligned, leading to stiffness in the wheel. This issue is more common in older vehicles or those with higher mileage. What to Do: If your steering wheel feels tight and you’ve ruled out other causes, it could be a sign of issues with the steering column or bearings. Our expert technicians at Pro Auto Repair can diagnose the issue and replace any worn-out components, restoring your steering system’s performance. How Pro Auto Repair Can Help in Newport News, VA At Pro Auto Repair , we specialize in steering system repairs and maintenance. If your steering wheel feels stiff, don’t wait for the problem to worsen—bring your vehicle in for a professional inspection. Our experienced technicians will assess the issue, whether it’s low power steering fluid, a faulty pump, worn-out components, or something else entirely. We’ll provide you with a reliable diagnosis and the necessary repairs to restore smooth steering and keep you safe on the road. Preventive Maintenance for Smooth Steering To keep your steering system in top shape and avoid stiff steering, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some preventive measures you can take: Check fluid levels regularly: Ensure your power steering fluid is topped off and replace it when it becomes dirty or contaminated. Inspect your steering system: Have your steering components, including the pump, rack, and tie rods, checked regularly for wear and tear. Maintain proper alignment: Get your vehicle’s alignment checked every year or whenever you notice signs of uneven tire wear or steering issues. By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can keep your steering system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road. Schedule Your Steering System Check at Pro Auto Repair Today If your steering wheel feels stiff or unresponsive, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Schedule a professional inspection at Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, today. Our expert technicians will diagnose the issue and ensure your steering system is in optimal condition, so you can enjoy a safe and smooth ride.