QuestionHello- I have had Hyundais in the past, and currently have an 09 Elantra. What are your thoughts on brake maintenance and getting them "cleaned"? Ive had different dealership service departments give me different recommendations ranging from having them cleaned every 5,000 to 15,000 miles. Yet I looked in the owners manual, and it doesnt refer to cleaning at all.
As long as you are getting your brakes inspected regularly, is getting the breaks/break bads "cleaned" really necessary? In other words, is this just an extra service that they make money off of?
Thanks in advance, I always enjoy reading your answers.
Id like to hear your opinion on brake maintenance.
AnswerYour car has four wheel disc brakes. As such, there's no significant benefit to cleaning them. The entire brake mechanism is exposed, allowing the dust to travel away from the brakes.
Cleaning of brakes is intended for drum brakes where the dust is trapped in the drum and can eventually cause noise and grabbing if left to accumulate. This is usually done in conjunction with adjusting the shoe clearance. Although drum brakes are equipped with self-adjusters, these only work with minimal effectiveness.
(Adjustment would also not apply to disc brakes there's nothing to adjust).
