Is Brake Grease Necessary? Expert Advice on Car Maintenance

Today we’re going to talk about something that might not be as cool as those sweet racing stripes or all-terrain tires you love, but it’s super important – brake grease. I can imagine what you’re thinking: “Why do I need this stuff?” Don’t worry, I’ll fill you in on all the deets. Seriously though, if you care about driving safe and being dependable out on the road, brake grease is your new best bud.

Is Brake Grease Necessary? Here’s a Detailed Explanation

Yes, brake grease is necessary to maintain a healthy braking system. It prevents corrosion, reduces noise, and improves performance by ensuring that everything moves freely within your system. Make sure to choose the right kind for your vehicle and apply it according to recommended intervals.

Brake grease is a special kind of lubricant exclusively made for brake parts. It’s created with silicone or petroleum-based materials and can be found in paste, spray, or liquid form. The main function of brake grease is to shield metal parts in your braking system from friction. As a result, it keeps these components from rubbing against each other and wearing out prematurely.

Now I know what you’re thinking: why do I need another thing to worry about when it comes to maintaining my brakes? Well, here’s the deal. Brake grease has several key functions that make it a pretty important addition to your maintenance routine.

Firstly, as previously stated, applying a brake lubricant helps to prevent corrosion on your braking components by creating a barrier from moisture. This is especially crucial if you reside in an area with heavy rainfall or snowfall because water can swiftly promote rust and other issues that may hinder your brakes’ efficiency.

But it’s not just about preventing damage- brake grease also helps reduce noise when you’re braking. No one likes screeching breaks that sound like nails on a chalkboard (unless they’re making grating sounds while slowing down their Studebaker). 

And speaking of smooth driving, high-quality brake grease can improve your overall performance by ensuring that everything moves freely within your system. This means less resistance when you press down on the pedal which ultimately leads to better stopping power.

So there you have it – brake grease may not be as flashy as some other car parts but it sure is important! Make sure you use the right kind for your vehicle and apply it according to the recommended intervals. Trust me, your brakes (and everyone else on the road!) will thank you for it!

Common Misconceptions About Brake Grease 

Since we know what brake grease is and understand why it’s important, let’s discuss some myths about it that could be harmful if believed. These misconceptions are worth dispelling to prevent any potential losses or damages.

Myth 1: You Don’t Need To Apply Brake Grease When Changing Your Brakes

Ah, if only this were true. Unfortunately, it’s far from reality. Skipping the brake grease during a brake job can result in seriously noisy brakes that wear down faster than an ice cream cone on a hot day. And honestly, who wants to deal with screechy stops or premature wear and tear? Do yourself (and your brakes) a favor and apply the right amount of lubrication every time you replace your pads or rotors.

Myth 2: Any Type Of Lubricant Can Be Used As A Substitute For Brake Grease

I’m sorry folks but no, just no. Using anything other than brake grease on your brakes can lead to material breakdowns, reduced performance, and snap crackle pops coming from your car like an oversized bowl of Rice Krispies. Just because something is greasy doesn’t make it brake grease! Make sure you select a high-temp rated synthetic compound meant specifically for use on braking systems.

Myth 3: Brake Dust Causes Premature Wear Of The Braking Components, Not Corrosion

Wrong again! While excessive amounts of brake dust can definitely cause unneeded wear on brakes over time; it isn’t the main cause of corrosion in braking components such as calipers & slider pins. 

Corrosion typically develops due to water intrusion which occurs most commonly when metal components aren’t properly lubricated with adequate moisture resistance additives like those found in quality synthetic-based types of greases like specialty formulated caliper slide greases etc. 

When Should You Apply Brake Grease?

Okay, so now you’re convinced you should be using brake grease. But how often and when should you apply this magic goop? Let me save you some time and hassle by giving you the lowdown on these important questions.

Recommended Intervals For Application

How often you need to apply brake grease really depends on how much driving you do, in which conditions, as well as many other conditions from the environment and the location of your brakes. Typically a general indication is every second or third brake job but if in doubt about any other indicators listed below always review with an Automotive professional. 

Signs That Indicate The Need For Applying Brake Grease.

If it’s been a while (or ever) since your brakes were lubed up, there are a few signs that it might be time to give them some love:

• Unusual sounds: Brake pads slipping can create annoying and sometimes scary noises such as screeches or squeals when stopping.
• Vibration: Roughness in braking is usually linked to excessive amounts of rust or poor lubrication.
• Sticking calipers: You may have a sticky caliper slider pin (some types of caliper slide grease can help here). Fluctuation in vehicle speed when traveling at higher speeds can indicate possible sticking issues and limitations in braking. Also read: How To Fix A Sticking Brake Caliper?
• Grinding sensations: If not taken care of early, these vibrations issues can lead to serious problems such as loss of sufficient brake grip!

These signs can indicate that your brakes may need more grease. It’s crucial for drivers to pay attention to their vehicle’s indications, such as wearable items including tires and suspension components, but also through audio and visual signals like grinding or squeaking noises when braking.

This way, they can stay on top of the necessary maintenance needs and take care of any potential issues before they become bigger problems.

Choosing the Right Brake Grease 

As we’ve covered the ideal time to apply brake grease, it’s now time to discuss the various types available. Considering there are so many options out there, identifying one that perfectly matches your vehicle can be challenging.

Factors To Consider When Selecting The Best Kind For Your Vehicle

• Temperature range: Make sure the grease is rated to handle high temperatures associated with frequent braking (think stop and go traffic). High temperature ranges will keep you driving smoother and quieter.
• Material compatibility: Different types of materials used in brakes can react differently with lubrication -check what’s recommended by the manufacturer. For instance silicone based greases are usually not recommended for brake caliper pistons contacts as they may cause them to swell affecting their operation. 
• Packaging convenience : Grease tubes with nozzles are more friendly compared to jars and other squeeze bottles where waste is common. 

Recommendations Based On Specific Makes And Models

Since different vehicles require different kinds of brake grease, it’s always a good idea to consult your manufacturer’s manual or a trusted automotive professional. In general these brands have been used with continued success over time:

• Wurth
• CRC
• Mobil 1 Synthetic Brake Lubricants 

At times if in doubt also consider reviews from verified buyers on marketplaces such as Amazon, car forums or YouTube video tutorials on maintenance. Believe it or not, using the right type of brake grease can make all the difference in keeping your vehicle safe and reliable, while extending their lifespan significantly! 

How to Apply Brake Grease Correctly?

Last but not least, let me share a step-by-step guide on how to apply brake grease properly. Trust me, you don’t want to mess this up!

Step 1: Elevate Your Car

Before you start lubing up your brake components, make sure your car is raised off the ground and is secured with jack stands. We definitely don’t want the car falling down before we’re done applying the brake grease.

Step 2: Remove Wheels & Clean Brake Components 

Take off each wheel carefully and lay it flat somewhere safe. Clean each of the exposed braking components thoroughly by spraying a good quality brake cleaner, making sure all debris and grime has been removed from each component.

Step 3: Apply Brake Grease On Proper Areas 

Now, apply small amounts of brake grease on specific areas such as:

•  Slides 
•  Pins
•  Caliper Bolts
•  Any attachment points between Calipers & Brake Pads themselves

But be careful not to smear large globby amounts of grease all over as it might end up seeping into areas where it shouldn’t have. Small thin coatings applied to key contact points should suffice for each part.

Step 4: Re-install Wheels Correctly 

Once the lubrication process is done, carefully replace each wheel back onto their respective hubs and tighten them according to factory specifications.

Don’t forget the installation sequence either; always cinch the lug nuts by hand in stages followed by torquing them correctly with a torque wrench.

Finally, make sure that your lug nut caps are secure so they won’t accidentally pop off while driving down bumpy roads or hit any potholes – especially important if you have expensive aftermarket rims that can easily get scratched or dented. 

Conclusion

So, now you know all about brake grease! Even though it may not be the most glamorous part of your vehicle, its role in your safety while driving is crucial. To ensure its effectiveness, use the recommended type for your car and apply it as instructed. Be mindful of any indications that signal you to reapply more.

And don’t forget the proper application procedure: elevate your car, clean your brake components, apply brake grease on key contact points and re-install wheels correctly while ensuring lug nut caps are secure.