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Tetyana Yermolenko
Correspondent
Signs of brake pad wear: when should you urgently change them?
Imagine the situation: you are driving on the highway, suddenly there is an obstacle, you press the brake – and the car does not stop. And it is good if this does not lead to someone's injury, or something worse. But it is better that such situations do not occur at all. In fact, this is the reality for thousands of drivers, due to ignoring the condition of the brake pads.
Malfunctions of brake systems and steering control are often the main causes of road accidents in Ukraine. Therefore, the Delo.ua editorial team has prepared instructions on how to recognize the need to replace brake pads and what to consider when choosing and installing them.
How to determine that the pads need to be replaced
Brake pads are one of the most important parts of the braking system, the condition of which directly affects your safety on the road. Ignoring pad wear can lead to reduced braking efficiency or even a serious accident.
However, most drivers continue to drive until the brakes literally “scream” about a critical condition. To notice in time that the pads need to be replaced, pay attention to certain signs.
Sound when braking
If you hear a grinding or squealing sound when you press the brake pedal, it often means that the friction material in the pads is very worn. Many modern pads are equipped with wear indicators that make a characteristic sound when they contact the brake disc.
Extended braking distance
When seconds can save lives, every meter of braking distance counts. Worn pads do not hold the car well when braking, which makes the braking distance longer.
Therefore, if you notice that it takes more time or distance to completely stop the car, you should urgently check the condition of the pads.
Brake pedal vibration or pulsation
Vibrations when pressing the pedal may indicate uneven pad wear or a deformed brake disc. This is a signal that the brake system needs to be checked immediately.
Visual inspection
Many pads have open areas where you can assess the thickness of the friction layer. If the lining thickness is less than 3 mm, the pads should be replaced. Also look for cracks, chips or signs of overheating.
Warning indicators on the instrument panel
Modern cars have electronic brake pad monitoring systems. If the corresponding lamp lights up, do not delay checking and replacing them.
Factors affecting the rate of wear
Why do some drivers' pads “live” for 60,000 kilometers, while others need to be replaced after 15-20,000? It's not about the car or the “bad” pads. A whole range of factors play a role here.
Firstly, driving style plays a key role in the durability of the pads. Aggressive braking, sudden stops at traffic lights, downhill slopes with the pedal pressed – this literally “eats” the resource of the pads. Secondly, operating conditions. City traffic with constant stops and accelerations “tortures” the brake system much more than a quiet country highway.
And if you often drive on city roads, and even with a full trunk, then rapid wear is guaranteed. So, schematically and briefly, several factors affect the condition of the pads.
- Driving style – aggressive braking reduces the resource by 2-3 times.
- Driving conditions – the city loosens the pads 30-40% faster than the highway.
- Quality of pads – cheap analogues last 1.5-2 times less than the originals.
- The technical condition of the car – jammed calipers or deformed discs accelerate wear.
- Car load – constant driving with a full trunk increases wear by 15-25%.
- Climatic conditions – high humidity and road reagents negatively affect the pads.
Understanding these nuances can significantly extend the life of your pads, especially with simple driving style adjustments and timely vehicle maintenance.
How to choose the right brake pads
Choosing brake pads is essentially an investment in your own safety. There are dozens of brands and types of pads on the market, but how not to get lost in this variety and not overpay for marketing promises? Pay attention to the main points!
Compliance with vehicle specifications
Each car model has its own braking system, so the pads must exactly match the factory parameters. Using “almost matching” pads can lead to ineffective braking or even damage to the discs.
Types of pad materials
The material of the pads determines their performance characteristics. Organic pads operate quietly and smoothly, but wear out faster.
Semi-metallic ones provide better thermal conductivity and durability, but can be noisier.
Ceramic pads are a more premium option that combines durability with comfort, but their price is significantly higher.
Choice for driving style
For everyday city driving, organic or semi-metallic pads are the best choice. They provide comfortable braking at low temperatures and do not create unnecessary noise. For active driving or frequent trips on mountain roads, it is better to choose semi-metallic or ceramic options.
Value for money
Don't skimp on quality by choosing the cheapest pads from unknown manufacturers. The price difference between budget and quality pads often pays for itself in longer service life and better braking performance. In addition, quality pads “saw” the discs less, which saves you money in the long run.
Certification and originality
High-quality pads have appropriate quality certificates and markings, confirming their compliance with European safety standards.
What to check before replacement
Replacing brake pads can also be a good opportunity to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the entire brake system. Before replacing, it is imperative to assess the condition of the associated brake system elements.
Warped discs, jammed calipers or dirty brake fluid can nullify all efforts to renew the pads. In addition, some malfunctions can lead to rapid wear of the new pads or even an accident. Therefore, the main elements that need to be checked before replacing the pads:
- condition of brake discs – absence of deep grooves, cracks and critical wear;
- caliper operation – free movement of pistons and no jamming;
- brake fluid – level, color and absence of contamination;
- brake hoses – integrity and absence of leaks;
- condition of the guide fingers – lubrication and free movement;
- dust covers – no tears or damage.
If you ignore these points, replacing the pads risks becoming just a waste of money. So wouldn't it be better to spend a few extra minutes on diagnostics than to stand in line at the car service again a month later with the same problems.
Replacement and running-in procedure
Replacing brake pads is a rather responsible procedure that requires precise adherence to technology. Even if you are an experienced car owner, you should not rush and it is better to entrust it to professionals.
The replacement process begins with preparing the car: installing it on a flat surface, using jacks and removing the wheels. Next, the old pads are dismantled, the calipers are cleaned of dirt and corrosion, and the condition of the guide pins is checked. When installing new pads, it is important to correctly press the caliper piston and evenly tighten all fasteners according to the tightening torque.
After replacement, it is imperative to run in the new pads. The first 200-300 kilometers is the period of friction material rubbing against the disc surface. During this time, you should avoid sudden braking and overheating of the pads. It is recommended to make smooth stops from low speeds, gradually increasing the load.
