How to Maintain Car Brake Pads?
3 Answers
Car brake pad maintenance methods include: 1. High-temperature resistance protection to prevent corrosion of the braking system; 2. Clean oil stains from the brake disc, brake drum, and brake pads to maintain brake disc heat dissipation; 3. Regularly replace brake fluid; 4. Periodically check the thickness of the brake lining or brake shoes. The working principle of brake pads is: by utilizing the friction between the brake pads and brake drum, as well as between the tires and the ground, the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted into heat energy through friction, thereby bringing the vehicle to a stop. The replacement method for brake pads is: 1. Remove the wheel where the brake is located; 2. Remove the bolts of the brake caliper and take out the brake pads; 3. Install new brake pads, tighten the guide bolts, and complete the replacement.
With twenty years of driving experience, I deeply understand that brake pad maintenance hinges on driving habits. Always maintain a safe following distance, anticipate road conditions in advance, and release the throttle early when approaching a red light to coast and decelerate. On steep downhill sections, it's advisable to shift to a lower gear and utilize engine braking to reduce the burden on the brake pads. Avoid frequent hard braking—smooth driving can extend brake pad lifespan by one-third. Also, pay attention to vehicle load, as overloading accelerates brake pad wear. Regularly check tire pressure, as underinflation increases braking distance and puts extra strain on the pads. After parking, make it a habit to engage the handbrake instead of keeping your foot on the brake pedal. After rain or snow, inspect whether the brake discs are covered in mud, as debris can accelerate pad wear. By attending to these details, your brake pads can easily last 70,000 to 80,000 kilometers.
Having worked in auto repair shops for many years, I remind everyone to regularly inspect brake pads. It's recommended to check them every 10,000 kilometers or every six months. Observe the thickness through the wheel hub gap - if it's below 3mm, it's dangerous. During inspection, pay attention to whether the inner and outer brake pads wear evenly, as uneven wear might indicate a caliper malfunction. Also check the condition of brake discs; deep grooves can cause abnormal brake pad wear. Don't ignore metallic scraping sounds - that's the wear indicator warning. Check the brake fluid level too; cloudy fluid may affect braking efficiency. During routine car washes, inspect brake disc surfaces for oil stains as contamination reduces friction. It's best to have professionals test the brake system hydraulics with specialized tools for accurate measurements. Don't wait until you feel brake pedal vibration to address issues - safety should never be taken lightly.
