A lot of mechanics have seen this happen: a customer comes in saying their car makes a horrible screeching sound when they hit the brakes. They recently had their brake pads or shoes replaced, but the noise keeps happening, and it might even be getting worse.
What they don’t know is that this common problem can often be solved or prevented with a simple step called brake burnishing, or bedding-in.
Both terms mean the same thing: it’s the process of breaking in new brake parts to help them work better.
Let’s dive into it!
What is Brake Burnishing
Brake burnishing is a process that happens when new brakes are first used on a vehicle. When you first drive with new brakes, the brake pads and the surface of the brake disc need to wear in a bit to fit together properly.
During this time, the brake pads leave a thin layer of material on the disc, which helps the brakes work better and more smoothly. It’s kind of like how shoes need to be broken in before they feel comfortable.
If you don’t allow enough time for burnishing, the brakes might not stop the car as quickly or might make weird noises. That’s why it’s recommended to drive gently for the first few hundred miles when you have new brakes, giving them time to wear in and work properly.
In addition, brake experts recommend breaking in new brake pads with a simple method called the 30-30-30 rule. This means you should drive at 30 miles per hour and make 30 gentle stops, taking a 30-second break between each stop to let the brakes cool down.
Doing this helps prevent the brakes from getting too hot and makes sure the pads work properly once they’re fully ready.
Why is Burnishing Important
Burnishing your brakes is really important for making sure everything works safely and lasts a long time. It helps the brake pad or shoe and the part it touches, like the rotor or drum, fit together better.
This makes sure they wear out evenly and gives the brakes a better grip, which is super important for stopping your car quickly and safely.
Avoiding Brake Noise and Vibration
Burnishing your brakes the right way can also stop annoying sounds like squealing and shaking, which you might feel in the steering wheel when you brake. These problems usually happen because the brake pads or shoes don’t fit right with the rotor or drum. But if the surfaces are lined up properly and smoothed out, you can avoid these issues.
Maintaining Performance and Safety
Most importantly, burnishing your brakes helps them last longer and makes your car stop better. Whether you have to stop quickly or swerve to avoid something on the road, having well-conditioned brake pads and shoes is important.
A Look at the Parts Required for Burnishing
First, let’s talk about brake pads and brake shoes. Brake pads are used in disc brake systems, which are usually on the front wheels of most cars, and more often on the rear wheels too.
When you press the brake pedal, it sends brake fluid to the calipers, which push the brake pads. The pads then squeeze against a metal part called the rotor, which is connected to the wheel, making the car slow down or stop.
Brake shoes are used in drum brake systems, which are often found on the rear wheels. They are usually curved pieces of metal with rough material on the outside. Unlike brake pads that press inward, brake shoes push outward against the drum, which slows down the wheel.
How Material Matters for Safe, Smooth Stops
Brake pads and shoes are made from different materials, like organic compounds, metal, semi-metal, and ceramic mixes. Each material has special qualities that make it work better in different situations.
To understand brake materials better, it helps to know about something called the “friction coefficient.” This measures how well the brake works when you first press it, and how it keeps working when it’s under pressure.
Different materials for pads and shoes give different results.
For example, metallic or semi-metallic pads usually grab the rotor better, making them good for tough conditions or bad weather. Ceramic pads, on the other hand, are quieter, last longer, and are gentler on the rotors.
The Science Behind Stopping
Let’s take a closer look at the science behind it and how things like static and dynamic friction affect how cars stop.
Understanding Static and Dynamic Friction
When you brake, there are two types of friction at play: static and dynamic.
Static friction is the resistance you feel when you first press the brake.
Dynamic friction is the resistance that continues to slow the car down while it’s moving.
The Glazing Process
When brakes aren’t broken properly, something called “glazing” can happen.
And no, it’s not about donuts!
Glazing happens when the brake pads get too hot and the surface becomes smooth and shiny, like glass. This makes it harder for the brakes to work well, so it’s definitely something you want to avoid.
Burnishing Techniques Vary for Different Needs
As you can imagine, the makers of brake parts usually have special instructions for breaking them in.
Every brake system is different, and things like the materials used, the type of driving (like off-roading or highway driving), and what kind of vehicle the brakes are for can all affect how they should be broken in.
After changing brake pads or rotors, you should burnish the brakes by driving at 50-55 mph, then slowing down gradually six times. This helps stop squeaking noises and improves braking, but make sure your tires are properly inflated first!
Key Do’s and Don’ts
While the exact instructions might be different, there are some basic rules to follow for safe and effective burnishing. Usually, this means making lots of stops, slowly speeding up and slowing down, and pressing the brake pedal with moderate to firm pressure.
You should also let the brakes cool down a bit between stops. What you should avoid is slamming on the brakes too hard, making high-speed stops, or braking when the car is carrying a heavy load. These things can cause glazing or damage to the brake parts.
Stick to the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Following the manufacturer’s instructions is the best way to get the best results. While general guidelines can help, the people who make the brakes know their parts the best and can give the best advice on how to make them work at their best.
How to Accurately Factor Brake Burnishing into Your Auto Repair Estimates with Software
When it comes to brake jobs, one thing that auto repair shops need to keep in mind is brake burnishing. Burnishing is a process where the brake pads and rotors are carefully broken in, or “seasoned,” to ensure they perform their best.
This step can add extra time to the repair job, and shop owners need to account for it in their estimates and labor guides.
How Brake Burnishing Affects Brake Job Time and Cost
Brake burnishing isn’t something that happens in every brake job, but when it does, it can take some extra time. This is because burnishing involves driving the vehicle to create friction between the brake pads and rotors. It helps ensure a smooth, even contact surface, which leads to better braking performance.
When you’re using auto repair estimate software, it becomes much easier to include burnishing time in your labor estimates. The software allows you to input this extra task, along with the estimated time it will take. By including this step in your estimate, customers won’t be surprised by additional charges, and you can be sure you’re covering all your costs.
How Technicians Can Factor Burnishing Time into Quotes
Technicians should always check if burnishing is part of the brake job. If the brake pads and rotors need burnishing, they can adjust the labor time accordingly. Using Torque360 helps streamline this process by automatically adding the time needed for burnishing when you select the appropriate service.
For instance, a technician may check whether the vehicle requires a simple pad replacement or if burnishing the rotors is necessary. The software will then calculate the extra time needed and generate an accurate, transparent quote for the customer.
Variations in Labor Costs for Different Vehicles
Not all vehicles are the same. Some cars, trucks, or SUVs may require more time for burnishing than others.
For example, luxury or performance vehicles might need more delicate burnishing techniques, which could increase labor time. On the other hand, standard vehicles might be quicker to burnish.
Using auto repair shop software, auto repair shop owners can adjust for these variations based on the specific needs of each vehicle model.
This means you can provide accurate quotes and ensure you’re billing customers fairly based on the complexity of their brake service.
