How to Identify the Quality of Brake Pads?

[LolaFitz]

Methods to identify the quality of brake pads: 1. Check the product packaging: Products from reputable manufacturers have clear printing on the packaging, with the production license number, specified friction coefficient, and execution standards clearly marked on the box. Inferior products may only have English text without Chinese, or even unclear printing. 2. Look for markings on the brake pads themselves: Genuine products have the manufacturer's logo on the non-friction surface; otherwise, they are substandard. 3. Examine the surface quality of the brake pads: Brake pads from reputable manufacturers have uniform surface quality and even coating, while inferior products may show signs of paint peeling. 4. Assess the internal quality of the brake pads: Since brake pads are made by mixing and hot-pressing dozens of materials, their quality cannot be fully judged by the naked eye alone. Therefore, when purchasing brake pads, it is advisable to request the seller to provide test reports from authoritative institutions.

[Legolas]

I've been driving for decades, and identifying the quality of brake pads mainly relies on daily driving sensations. If the brake pedal feels spongy when braking, requires deeper pressing before the car stops, or the body shakes noticeably during emergency braking, the brake pads are definitely severely worn. I remember once on the highway, the braking distance suddenly increased, which gave me a scare. Later, upon inspection, I found the pads were only 2mm thick. Regularly check the thickness yourself: after parking, measure through the wheel hub gap. New pads are around 10mm thick; if it's below 4mm, it's time to replace them—don't wait until you hear screeching noises to panic. Also, pay attention to whether the brake discs have scratches or unevenness, as this can affect overall performance. Maintain good habits, such as avoiding sudden braking and speeding, to extend the lifespan of the pads. In short, safety first—address any issues immediately.

[KeeganLee]

As a DIY car enthusiast, I always remove the tires to visually inspect the brake pads. Thickness is the primary indicator: new pads are typically around 10mm thick, and you should be alert when they wear down below 5mm—you can measure this with your finger or a ruler. Deep cracks or chips on the pad surface indicate severe damage, while uneven wear may suggest caliper issues. Listening for sounds is also straightforward—squeaking during braking usually means the worn pads are signaling replacement. When inspecting, clean off dust to avoid misjudgment. Don’t overlook related components: check the brake fluid level and ensure the rotor surface is smooth. Replacing pads yourself saves costs, but make sure they’re properly aligned during installation to prevent noise. With good overall maintenance, checking every six months keeps your car stable and worry-free.

[OJoel]

When I first got my driver's license, I didn't know how to check brake pads. A friend taught me to listen for sounds first. If there's a sharp squealing noise while driving, especially when braking persistently, it usually means the pads are nearly worn out. There are also driving feel clues: steering wheel vibration or increased brake pedal resistance indicates worsening wear. Once I carelessly ignored slight abnormal sounds until the mechanic said the thickness was down to bare metal—dangerous. Now I do simple checks: after parking, I pry open the wheel hub to see if the pad edges remain even and thick; if thin, replacement is needed. As a beginner, don't follow my neglect—pay attention to minor post-drive signs to prevent accidents.