How to Check Car Brake Pads?
2 Answers
Car brake pad inspection method: Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads or brake shoes. When it is found that the thickness is close to or less than the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer, they should be replaced immediately. While checking the brake pads, also inspect the wear of the brake discs or brake drums. If indentations appear on the contact surface, they should be resurfaced or turned to ensure proper contact area with the brake pads and improve braking force. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are critical safety components in a car's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking performance is decisively influenced by the brake pads. Brake pads are composed of steel plates, bonded insulation layers, and friction blocks. The steel plates are coated to prevent rust, and the coating process is monitored using an SMT4 oven temperature tracker to ensure the temperature distribution during coating for quality assurance.
I often check my brake pads myself because it saves money and gives me peace of mind. After parking, I turn off the engine and engage the handbrake, finding a safe and level spot. I use the small holes on the wheel hub to directly observe the thickness of the brake pads—if there’s less than 3mm left, it’s time to replace them, as new pads are usually around 10mm thick. I also listen for any screeching sounds when braking while driving, which is the wear indicator reminding you to take action. I pay attention to the vehicle’s behavior too, like vibrations or slow response when stopping, as these indicate pad issues. I check them roughly every 10,000 kilometers—just using a flashlight without disassembling any parts to avoid hassle. Neglecting inspections can damage the brake discs, leading to costlier repairs, so safety always comes first. A quick tip: check when the car is cold to avoid burning your hands—it’s a good habit to develop.
