FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Grating of Gears
If the grating occurs when engaging 1st gear or reverse while the vehicle is stationary (vehicle engine must be running), then the grating is usually caused by the clutch.
Not a clutch issue
If your car is running rough and showing symptoms even when it’s just idling and standing still, it’s not a clutch issue.
How do you know your clutch is slipping?
- A change in engine speed without noticeable acceleration. While driving in 3rd gear and your foot is off the clutch accelerating quickly if the car revs climb and there is no noticeable speed increase, it can mean your clutch isn’t delivering the boost in RPM through the transmission to the drive wheels.
- If there is a change in the clutch pedal height where the driver feels the clutch begin to engage.
- Change in perceived engine power when pulling a load. A slipping clutch reduces the amount of power delivered to the drive wheels.
Push down on the clutch pedal. Your clutch may need to be replaced if it takes only a little pedal movement to disengage it. There should be an inch or two (2 to 4 cm) of free movement of the pedal before the clutch starts to disengage. If it disengages sooner, this is an indicator that your clutch is not riding (i.e., is not partially disengaged) when the pedal is not depressed.
If you notice a smell coming from under the bonnet. This may be the result of an oil leak or even damaged electrical wiring (both serious, but not clutch-related issues), but it can also be a sign of a slipping clutch. Most of the time if you are towing a caravan or trailer on a steep hill and you smell a pungent smell coming from the engine it could mean the clutch is slipping.
Check the clutch fluid level. Check the clutch fluid reservoir, which is located near the brake master cylinder. The reservoir should either be filled to the top, or somewhere between the minimum and maximum lines shown on the reservoir. If necessary, add fluid to the reservoir.
- Some vehicles use the brake master cylinder for the clutch. If this is the case, make sure there is brake fluid in the master cylinder.
How do Ceramic Pads Perform?
They are made of stacked glass ceramic fibers, filler material, bonding agents, and small amounts of various metals. They perform much like a dual pane window, by inhibiting the heat that is generated by the pad hitting the rotor, from going back to the hydraulic or caliper system. The Ceramic pads tend to keep the brake fluid cooler than the Metallic pad does. Due to their cooling capabilities, their performance stays strong with repeated use and repeated hard stops.
Many vehicles now come with Ceramic pads as their OE (Original Equipment) from the factory, and we always recommend that you stay with the OE manufacturer’s recommended friction material.
Are Metallic Pads Better than Organic Pads?
Metallic pads are typically made from a mixture of iron, copper, steel, and graphite that are all bonded together. They are good at transferring the heat generated by the friction that is created from the contact with the brake rotors. Metallic pads provide good performance and much better resistance to brake fade than Organic pads. They are also a more cost-effective option. They are harder and more durable and are the best choice for heavier vehicles. Although Ceramic has enjoyed a considerable gain in popularity over the last dozen years, Metallic remains a popular choice.
Most of today’s Metallic pads are actually Semi-Metallic Brake Pads, which are a hybrid mix of both Organic pads and Metallic pads.
Are Organic Brake Pads any Good?
The Organic Brake Pads are made from natural materials like glass and rubber that have been bonded together with high heat-resistant resins. Many Organic formulations use Kevlar as well. They are a much softer brake pad which results in a quieter pad, but one that also wears faster and creates a lot more dust. Organic Brake Pads are best suited for lightweight small cars that have limited hard stops.
What are ATE Brake Pads made of?
These pads use ceramic compounds and copper fibers in place of the semi-metallic pad’s steel fibers. This allows the ceramic pads to handle high brake temperatures with less heat fade, provide faster recovery after the stop, and generate less dust and wear on both the pads and rotors.
What are brake pads made of?
Most vehicles on the road today have metallic brake pads. In case you’re wondering, these brake pads aren’t just slabs of metal. They’re typically made of iron, copper, steel, and graphite all mixed together and bonded to form the pad material.
Do brake pads come in different sizes?
Yes. Brake pads are car specific. Please consult your e-CAR mechanic to recommend the correct brake pad for your car.
Are there differences between manufacturers of brake pads?
Yes. Some brake discs are hard and therefore last longer. Some brake discs are soft and last a shorter period of time. The softer the brake pad the shorter the lifespan. Some brake pads will stop the car consistently no matter the temperature of the brake pad, whilst others will have an adverse effect on the stopping distance. There are many factors that can affect the stopping distance therefore we will not cover that here.
Are brake pads necessary for your car?
Yes, brake pads are necessary for a car to safely and effectively stop or slow down. Brake pads are an essential component of the braking system that apply friction to the wheels to slow or stop the car when the brakes are applied. Without brake pads, the metal of the brake calipers would come into direct contact with the metal of the wheels, which would not only create a lot of noise but also cause significant damage to both the brake system and the wheels themselves. In short, brake pads are crucial for safe and efficient braking, and it is important to ensure they are regularly inspected and replaced as necessary to maintain the overall health and safety of your vehicle.
How do I become a member of the e-CAR Club?
All you have to do is service your vehicle at any e-CAR workshop, get your membership pack, and then the workshop will activate your free year-long membership – so you can start benefiting right away!
How long does my membership last?
Your FREE year-long membership is valid for 1 year from the date we serviced your car. The workshop will activate your membership upon servicing so you can enjoy a full year of benefits.
Can I get road assist?
Outside of the borders of SA?
If you have a valid e-CAR Club Card this service includes assistance in Lesotho and Swaziland. If you need help in Zimbabwe or Namibia you can call us at 086 133 3260 and we’ll refer you to a local assistance representative there.
Who do I call when I need help?
Call us on 0861333260Â and we’ll take it from there!
How many tows do I get?
If you have a valid e-CAR Club Card then One tow per year. So make your tow count. Any extra kilometers driven over and above the 40km limit will be charged at AA rates and will be at your cost.
Can I use the road assist benefits?
while driving a different car?
The short answer is No.
Your membership is linked to the car you register with e-CAR Club on activation. Your road assist benefits are linked directly to the license and registration you provided us. This information is given to AA’s recovery team, our road assist partners. When you call in for assistance you will be asked to verify that the car you drive is indeed the one you registered with us. Only then will a recovery team be dispatched to assist you.