Consequences of Applying Lubricating Oil on Brake Pads
3 Answers
The consequence of applying lubricating oil on brake pads is brake failure, which may lead to serious traffic accidents in severe cases. Oiling brake pads reduces braking performance due to the lubricating effect. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are the most critical safety components in a car's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking actions is decisively determined by the brake pads, making high-quality brake pads the guardian of both the driver and the vehicle. Below is an introduction to brake pedal operation: 1. Introduction to brake pedal operation: Brake pedal operations in cars are categorized into slow braking (i.e., anticipatory braking), emergency braking, combined braking, and intermittent braking. Generally, during slow and emergency braking, before the wheels lock up and the car comes to a complete stop, the clutch pedal should be fully depressed to prevent the engine from stalling and to facilitate speed adjustment. 2. Mastering the timing and force of braking: Normally, avoid stomping on the brake pedal abruptly. Instead, first press the brake pedal, adjusting the pressure according to the need. Apply quick and firm pressure when the car is moving at higher speeds, and gentle and steady pressure at lower speeds. Then, adjust the pressure based on various conditions for different levels of increase or decrease.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I must warn you that applying lubricant on brake pads is life-threatening. This severely compromises friction as the oil film isolates the contact surface between pads and rotors, reducing braking force by half or even eliminating it completely. I once encountered a similar situation where my car lost control on a rainy mountain road, with braking distance extended by over two times, nearly causing a collision with a tree. Beyond immediate danger, lubricants can also corrode brake rotors and attract dust, leading to abnormal noises and premature wear. If mistakenly applied, immediately visit a professional shop to clean the entire braking system, otherwise long-term risks become greater. Drive safely and never adopt such bad habits of randomly applying substances.
From a mechanical perspective, applying lubricant to brake pads can cause a sudden drop in friction. Just think about it—the braking system relies on friction between contact surfaces to function. Coating them with lubricant is like wearing ice skates on an oily road; there's simply no grip. I understand that brake pads often suffer from noise or rust, tempting people to apply something, but this will make the brake pedal feel soft and weak, increasing stopping distances and the risk of collisions. Even worse, the lubricant can contaminate the entire assembly, potentially damaging the rotor's flatness and causing vibrations. It's recommended to use specialized brake cleaners instead of cutting corners to save money.
