Rotor to Pad Clearance

Hi! I got a question.... I got a 1995 Toyota Pickup 2 Wheel Drive, 4 Cyl, 5 Spd,... Ok I am a bit of a gas mileage freak so I am always looking for ways to Increase efficient use of my truck...

So I notice my brakes drag very slightly -in the front the pads would just barely be touching the rotor (I think thats what they call the thing the pads squeeze - Im not a brake guy) causing the rotor to become very very hot... So I go to the shops - After $420 of repairs I learn the OEM Spec is for the Pad to slightly touch the rotor EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES Are not being pressed (such as cruising on the freeway).... WTF????? Someone please tell me the shop is wrong Tnx - Vinay Gidwani

Disc brake pads are always in contact with the rotor, even when your foot is off the brake pedal.

It seems somewhat counter productive.... Can the Caliper go any wider? (Theoretically? - I heard it only will ride the rotor after it self adjusts - You could initially set the caliper wide and it would stay wide till you hit the brake- What do you think?)

You have to brake to do anything. The pads will always touch the rotor after the brakes are applied. If you space the pads away from the rotor, your brakes won't work. They will go to the floor until the pads are flush against the rotor.