How to Maintain Brake Pads?
1 Answers
Brake pad maintenance tips are as follows: 1. Under normal driving conditions, inspect the brake pads every 5,000 kilometers. Check not only the remaining thickness but also the wear status of the brake pads, whether both sides are wearing evenly, and if they retract properly. Address any abnormalities immediately. 2. Brake pads generally consist of an iron backing plate and friction material. Do not wait until the friction material is completely worn out before replacing the pads. For example, the front brake pads of a Jetta have a new thickness of 14 mm, with a replacement limit of 7 mm, including over 3 mm of iron backing plate thickness and nearly 4 mm of friction material thickness. 3. Some vehicles come with a brake pad wear warning function. Once the wear limit is reached, the dashboard will alert you to replace the pads. Brake pads that have reached their usage limit must be replaced, as continuing to use them can reduce braking effectiveness and compromise driving safety. 4. When replacing, use the original manufacturer's brake pads to ensure the best braking performance and minimal wear between the pads and discs. 5. When replacing brake pads, always use specialized tools to retract the brake caliper pistons. Avoid using pry bars or other tools to force them back, as this can bend the caliper guide screws and cause the brake pads to seize. 6. After replacing the brake pads, press the brake pedal several times to eliminate the gap between the pads and the disc. Failure to do so may result in no braking on the first press, leading to potential accidents. 7. Newly replaced brake pads require a break-in period of 200 kilometers to achieve optimal braking performance. Drive cautiously during this period.
