Why are my brakes so noisy first thing in the morning? – Danny
I suspect the noise you are hearing is the overnight buildup of corrosion on the brake rotors being scrubbed away by the brake pads. Even my 2014 Honda CR-V started grinding away at 17,000 kilometres, so I know your frustration. The question is: Why do brake rotors corrode prematurely? One of the simplest answers is that the replacement parts market is flooded with products that vary wildly in quality. When your vehicle is in for brake replacement, don't choose the cheapest brand; instead, ask your repair shop to give you a quote with upgraded coated rotors and premium ceramic pads.
For new vehicles experiencing this problem, the answer is more complicated as the parts aren't in question. Vehicle manufacturers are dealing with ever-tightening fuel-mileage requirements. When driving a sports car, the brake rotors are typically huge because the owner demands superior braking over fuel economy. However, potential purchasers of vehicles like my CR-V pay attention to fuel economy ratings, and keeping everything lightweight helps the manufacturer squeeze out every morsel of fuel savings. Brake parts that could benefit from being a bit larger are kept on a diet. These smaller lightweight brakes work harder, temperatures go up, which glazes everything – and eventually rust appears. Regular preventative servicing and adopting a driving style that doesn't involve regular panic stops will help.
Lou Trottier is owner-operator of All About Imports in Mississauga. Have a question about maintenance and repair? E-mail globedrive@globeandmail.com, placing "Lou's Garage" in the subject area.
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