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Views: 27 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-04 Origin: Site
Among the many components of a car, brake pads may be small, but they are crucial for driving safety and your wallet. Frequent replacement of brake pads not only increases expenses but may also pose safety risks due to improper installation. So, how can you make brake pads last longer? Let’s take a detailed look.
Many drivers tend to brake abruptly when approaching obstacles or stopping points, which subjects the brake pads to sudden, intense pressure and accelerates wear. Develop the habit of observing road conditions in advance. When you notice the need to slow down or stop ahead, release the accelerator early to allow the vehicle to decelerate naturally, then gently apply the brakes to smoothly reduce speed. For example, when approaching a red light, begin releasing the accelerator several hundred meters in advance to let the vehicle coast by inertia, then gently apply the brakes as you approach the stop line. This significantly reduces brake pad wear.
Driving styles that involve sudden acceleration followed by sudden braking can cause significant impact on the brake pads. Sudden acceleration rapidly increases vehicle speed, and subsequent sudden braking requires the brake pads to generate strong friction force in a short time to stop the vehicle, causing the brake pads to heat up quickly and accelerate wear. In daily driving, maintain smooth acceleration and deceleration, gradually increasing or decreasing speed. For example, when overtaking, accelerate slowly and avoid flooring the accelerator. When decelerating due to a situation, avoid slamming on the brakes and instead gradually reduce speed.
For manual transmission vehicles, when decelerating, you can use downshifting to assist braking. When downshifting, the engine's resistance reduces vehicle speed, thereby reducing the frequency of brake pad use. For example, when descending a hill, gradually shift from higher gears to lower gears to use the engine's braking force to control speed. This not only protects the brake pads but also enhances driving safety. For automatic transmission vehicles, some models also feature manual mode or downshifting functionality, which can be utilized as appropriate.
It is recommended to check the thickness of the brake pads every 10,000 kilometers or at least every six months. This can be done by a professional repair shop using tools such as calipers, or you can use some simple methods to assess it yourself. For example, some vehicles have wear indicator plates on the brake pads. When the brake pads wear down to a certain extent, the indicator plates will rub against the brake rotor, producing a sharp sound, which is a signal that the brake pads need to be replaced. Additionally, you can inspect the appearance of the brake pads; if the thickness has noticeably decreased, they should be inspected or replaced promptly.
The condition of the brake rotors also affects the lifespan of the brake pads. If the brake rotor surface shows uneven wear, deep scratches, or deformation, it can cause uneven friction between the brake pads and the rotor, thereby accelerating the wear of the brake pads. Regularly inspect the surface flatness and thickness of the brake discs, and address any issues promptly through repair or replacement. Generally, the wear limit for brake discs is around 2–3 mm. When wear approaches this value, it is time to consider replacing the brake discs.
During operation, the brake system may accumulate dust, oil, and other contaminants, which can affect the friction between the brake pads and rotors and may also accelerate brake pad wear. Regularly use a professional brake system cleaner to clean the brake calipers, rotors, and pads, removing surface dirt and contaminants. When cleaning, be careful not to splash the cleaner onto the tires or other components to avoid damage.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, and over time, the moisture content in the fluid increases, lowering its boiling point. In high-temperature environments, the moisture in the brake fluid can vaporize and form bubbles, affecting the normal operation of the brake system and causing corrosion to the brake pads and rotors. It is recommended to replace the brake fluid every 2–3 years or as specified in the vehicle manual, using brake fluid that is reliable in quality and meets the vehicle's specifications.
When driving on rough roads such as muddy, gravel, or icy surfaces, brake pads must withstand greater pressure to ensure effective braking. Additionally, particles such as gravel on the road surface can easily enter the braking system, accelerating brake pad wear. Avoid prolonged driving on such conditions whenever possible. If unavoidable, reduce speed and minimize sudden braking. For example, when traversing muddy sections, drive slowly and use engine braking to control speed, avoiding frequent braking.
In high-temperature environments, the performance of brake pads may be affected, and high temperatures can also accelerate their wear. During summer heatwaves or prolonged continuous braking (e.g., on long downhill slopes), ensure the brake system is allowed to cool appropriately. During rest stops, open the hood to allow the brake system to cool naturally; or on long downhill sections, use intermittent braking to prevent the brake pads from remaining in a high-temperature state for extended periods.
In cold winter conditions, the brake system is prone to icing, which can cause brake failure. When parking, choose a dry, sheltered location to avoid the brake system being covered in ice and snow. If the vehicle is parked outdoors for an extended period, lightly press the brake pedal a few times after parking to expel moisture between the brake pads and rotors, reducing the likelihood of icing. During driving, if you notice abnormal brake pedal feel or reduced braking effectiveness, promptly inspect the brake system for ice buildup and take appropriate measures to thaw it.
Different vehicle models have varying brake system designs and performance requirements, so it is essential to select compatible brake pads. When replacing brake pads, strictly follow the vehicle manual's specifications to select the appropriate model and size. Using incompatible brake pads may reduce braking performance and accelerate wear. For example, high-performance vehicles require heat-resistant, high-friction brake pads, while ordinary passenger vehicles can use moderately performing brake pads.
There are numerous brake pad brands on the market, with varying quality. Selecting well-known brands with reliable quality ensures the quality of materials and manufacturing processes, thereby extending service life. High-quality brake pads typically use superior friction materials, offering higher wear resistance, heat resistance, and stability. When purchasing brake pads, choose reputable channels to avoid counterfeit or substandard products.
Overloading a vehicle increases the burden on the braking system, causing the brake pads to withstand greater pressure to brake the vehicle, thereby accelerating wear and tear. Strictly adhere to the vehicle's rated load capacity when loading, and avoid overloading. For example, a small passenger car has a rated load capacity of 5 people. If it carries 6 or more passengers, it is considered overloaded and will cause damage to the braking system.
If you hear unusual noises from the braking system while driving, such as sharp grinding sounds or humming noises, stop immediately to inspect the system. These noises may indicate that the brake pads are worn to the limit, there are foreign objects between the brake discs and pads, or other brake components of the braking system are malfunctioning. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further deterioration and protect the brake pads and other components of the braking system.
Extending the lifespan of your vehicle's brake pads requires a comprehensive approach, including driving habits, vehicle maintenance, environmental factors, and brake pad selection. By implementing the measures outlined above, you can not only save on the cost of replacing brake pads but also enhance driving safety. Let's start now by developing good driving and maintenance habits to ensure your brake pads accompany you on a longer journey.If you are looking for a safe and durable brake pads,welcome to visit our website:https://www.evfriction.com.Or contact with us by +86-13363216781.We provide different types of brake parts.
