What are brake pads?
Brake pads are an important part of the automobile braking system and are composed of steel plates, adhesive insulation layers, and friction blocks. It refers to the friction material fixed on the brake drum or brake disc that rotates with the wheel. The friction lining and friction pad are subjected to external pressure and generate friction to achieve the purpose of vehicle deceleration.
How do brake pads work?
The working principle of brakes mainly comes from friction. It uses the friction between brake pads and brake discs (drums) and tires and the ground to convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy after friction to stop the vehicle. A good and efficient braking system must be able to provide stable, sufficient, controllable braking force, and have good hydraulic transmission and heat dissipation capabilities to ensure that the force exerted by the driver from the brake pedal can be fully and effectively transmitted to the master cylinder and each sub-cylinder, and avoid hydraulic failure and brake failure caused by high heat. The brake systems on cars are divided into two categories: disc brakes and drum brakes. However, in addition to the cost advantage, drum brakes are far less efficient than disc brakes.
How often should brake pads be replaced?
The replacement cycle of brake pads is usually between 30,000 and 50,000 kilometers, depending on the vehicle’s mileage, driving habits, road conditions, and usage of the brake pads. Front brake pads are generally replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads are replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. However, this is not a fixed cycle, as the degree of brake pad wear will vary depending on personal driving habits, road conditions, and other factors. It is recommended to check the thickness of the brake pads regularly. If the thickness is less than 3mm, it should be replaced immediately. In addition, if you find abnormal noise when braking or the braking distance becomes longer, you should also consider replacing the brake pads.
How do you determine if the brake pads need to be replaced?
Here are a few ways to determine if your brake pads need to be replaced:
- Thickness check: The brake pad thickness is less than 3 mm and needs to be replaced.
- Brake noise: hear sharp scraping or metal friction sounds.
- Braking response time: The braking response becomes slower or the braking distance becomes longer.
- Brake pedal vibration: The pedal vibrates when braking.
- Brake warning light: The brake warning light lights up on the instrument panel.
- Visual inspection: The brake pads are very thin or barely visible.
How to replace brake pads?
For detailed steps on replacing brake pads, please see this article
Things to note when purchasing brake pads
First, look at the friction coefficient. The friction coefficient determines the basic brake pad braking torque. If it is too high, it will cause wheel locking, loss of direction, and burning of the pads during the braking process. If it is too low, the braking distance will be too long;
Second, it depends on safety. The brake pads will generate instantaneous high temperatures during braking, especially when driving at high speed or emergency braking. Under high-temperature conditions, the friction coefficient of the friction pads will decrease;
Third, check whether it is comfortable, including braking feeling, noise, dust, smoke, odor, etc., which is a direct reflection of friction performance;
Fourth, look at the service life. Generally, brake pads can guarantee a service life of 30,000 kilometers.
- You should choose car brake pads produced by regular manufacturers with license numbers, specified friction coefficients, implementation standards, etc., and the packaging box should have certificates, production batch numbers, production dates, etc.;
Secondly, choose to go to a professional maintenance point and ask professionals to install it.
