How long does it take for newly replaced brake pads to break in?
2 Answers
Newly replaced brake pads require a break-in period of 200 kilometers to achieve optimal braking performance. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are critical safety components in a vehicle's braking system, playing a decisive role in the effectiveness of all braking actions. Typically, brake pads consist of a steel plate, an adhesive heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, with the coating process monitored by an SMT4 oven temperature tracker to ensure quality by detecting temperature distribution. The heat insulation layer is made of non-heat-conductive materials to provide thermal insulation. The friction block is composed of friction materials and adhesives, which are pressed against the brake disc or drum during braking to create friction, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle.
I just got new brake pads installed and immediately looked into the break-in procedure. This is pretty crucial and shouldn't be taken lightly. Based on experience, driving about 300 to 500 kilometers should do the trick - roughly equivalent to a few days of city driving. The break-in period mainly allows the brake pads and rotors to adapt, wearing off the new surface coating for proper contact. My personal method: Start slow, keep speed under 60 km/h, and gently apply brakes 15-20 times without sudden stops. Take it easy on highways too. After about a week, I noticed shorter braking distances and no more squeaking. My advice is to pay extra attention during the first week after replacement, especially in rainy conditions when skidding is more likely - safety first!
