Have Questions About GM Brake Service? We Have Answers

You don't have to be an automotive expert or a DIY maintenance pro to care for your vehicle when you own a GM. We're here for our customers every step of the way, with answers to all your questions and, the trained and certified care you need when maintenance issues come up. If your brakes are squeaking or you feel like you might need service, you can count on us to be there with answers and expert guidance.

Brake Service FAQs with Your GM Professionals

A: The engineers at GM take some of the guesswork out of knowing when to replace your brakes, thanks to specialized wear indicators that are built into the braking system. These indicators are designed to make a squeaking noise that lets you know your brakes are almost worn out and in need of a little TLC.

These specially designed wear indicators are crafted to make this telltale noise when there is around 2mm of brake pad friction left. This means, if you hear the squeaking the brakes should be brought in for service as soon as possible. Our GM certified brake experts can inspect the brake pads and rotors to see if it's time to replace either or both. They know exactly what they're looking for in regard to the thickness necessary for both parts to properly function, and they can recommend the right course of action to keep you safely on the road.

Q: Do brake rotors always need service when brake pads are replaced?

A: No. As long as there are no other signs, such as your brake pedal pulsing or your steering wheel shaking, your rotors are most likely in good condition. However, trust our brake experts and maintenance technicians to properly assess and judge their quality. We can tell you with certainty whether your rotors require turning or replacing.

Q: Do brake rotors require routine replacements or service at regular intervals?

A: Not necessarily. Unlike oil changes and tire rotations, which should be kept to a regular schedule, brake rotors do not require inspection or service every few thousand miles. However, it is always recommended that you get them inspected and looked at every time you get the tires rotated. Let our GM technicians inspect their condition and quality at every rotation.

Q: My brake pedal is pulsing. Why is that?

A: Your vehicle will give you many hard-to-miss signs when you need a brake maintenance appointment, and a pulsing brake pedal is one of them.

Brake pedal pulsing and other signs, including a shaky steering wheel, indicate that there is a thickness variation in the brake rotor, such as when a thicker spot of the rotor rotates through the caliper. This pushes back against brake fluid, which can be felt when you press the brake pedal. Once this thick spot exits the caliper, the brake fluid and the pedal relax again. This process produces a pulsing feeling in the pedal and leads to what's called "brake torque variation," which can shake the steering wheel and seats. This pulsating can be corrected with a brake service appointment and turning or replacing the brake rotors, helping eliminate the thickness variation.

Q: Why are my brakes squealing? How can I get it to stop?

A: The squealing sound your brakes sometimes make is caused by the high-frequency vibration of brake components (including rotor, calipers, and pads). While the engineers at GM spend a significant amount of time designing factory brakes to eliminate brake squeal, over time, as parts and components are worn and age, a squeal can become noticeable. Typically, when squealing occurs, it's an indication that there may be damage or excessive wear on one or more brakes components. Schedule an appointment with a GM service team to see if this is the case in your situation.

Q: How long do brake pads last?

A: There are no set rules or mileage limits for how long brake pads last. Rather, the lifetime of this particular part of your vehicle is determined by driving habits. How much you use your vehicle, the environment and weather where you live, whether or not you commute in a lot of stop-and-go-traffic. Some lifestyles or geographic locations mean you may go through brake pads quicker than expected. For example, if your daily commute involves mountain roads, you may be braking more than other people on the road. As a rule, however, brake pads are designed to last 20,000 to 25,000 miles of heavy use, and 40,000 to 60,000 miles of average use.

Q: Do metallic brake pads increase deterioration of brake rotors?

A: Yes. Any time hard metal materials interact with the brake rotor surface, it will create brake dust and shorten rotor life. However, most GM vehicles use a non-asbestos organic brake pads, also known as a "ceramic pad." These special pads develop a type of transfer film between the brake pad and the rotor, acting as a cushion between the two components and protecting from the abrasive interaction that can cause excess wear.

Q: My brake pads seem dusty. Are brake pads normally dusty?

A: Brake dust is a combination of debris worn off from the rotor and debris from the pad. While all brake systems can generate dust and be dusty, it is more clearly present on high-performance tuned systems and when metallic brake pads are being used. Pad materials that wear out the rotors will produce more dust.

Q: Are all brake rotors the same?

A: While many systems and brake rotors look the same, especially those that are designed to fit in similar-sized vehicles, there are small differences between the way they're manufactured. For example, there can be differences in the thickness of the surface where the brake pad rubs (called the "brake plate"), as well as differences in the grade and material of the cast iron. For more information on the manufacturer recommended rotors and parts used on your GM model, speak to your trained and certified GM brakes technician.