How to Break in New Brake Pads?

[MacJustin]

New brake pad break-in methods are: 1. After completing the installation, find a place with good road conditions and few vehicles to start the break-in; 2. Accelerate the vehicle to 100 kilometers per hour, then lightly apply the brakes with moderate force to reduce the speed to approximately 10 to 20 kilometers per hour; 3. Release the brakes and drive a few kilometers to allow the brake pads to cool down slightly. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are critical safety components in a car's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking is decisively influenced by the brake pads. Brake pads are generally composed of a steel plate, an adhesive heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, and the coating process uses an SMT4 oven temperature tracker to monitor the temperature distribution during coating to ensure quality.

[LaBriella]

I've been driving for most of my life, and breaking in new brake pads requires special attention. Right after installation, take it easy—I usually find a quiet road and drive slowly, keeping the speed around 30-40 mph. For the first few stops, gently press the brakes four or five times without slamming them to a halt, just like warming up an old friend, allowing the surface coating to wear off gradually. After driving a few hundred miles like this, the brake pads will fit better and produce less noise. If you don’t break them in properly and brake hard right away, the brake discs might get scratched, and the pads will wear out faster. I think driving more in city traffic with frequent stops during the first few days after replacement gives the best break-in effect. Remember, safety comes first—avoid slamming the brakes on rainy days. Once they settle in, you’ll feel much more confident.

[DelLorenzo]

As a car enthusiast, I've done quite a bit of research on this issue. The immediate bedding-in after installing new brake pads is to remove the protective coating on them, ensuring more stable braking performance. When starting, I choose a safe stretch of road and gently apply the brakes three or four times, each with moderate pressure—just like a dragonfly skimming the water to get a feel for it. Then, during normal driving, I incorporate more braking actions, but all done gently, avoiding sudden stops. I maintain this driving pattern for the first 300 to 400 kilometers until the friction surfaces are evenly worn. I've also specifically checked—without proper bedding-in, the new pads and old rotors won't match well, often leading to squealing noises and longer braking distances. So, I've made it a habit every time I change pads, and now my brakes operate much more smoothly.

[LaCayden]

As an ordinary car owner, I believe that brake pad break-in is crucial for safe driving. After installing new pads, avoid sudden braking to prevent unstable performance. I start by driving slowly, gently testing the braking force on the first stop to allow the pads and rotors to make initial contact and warm up. Then, during driving, I perform more gentle braking operations, similar to stop-and-go traffic in urban areas. After a few hundred kilometers, they become properly bedded-in. The key is to avoid issues like excessive noise or reduced braking power midway. Last time I neglected this, and almost had an accident during emergency braking—a profound lesson. In short, don't skip this step; always check before driving.