What Are Brake Pads?
3 Answers
Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are the most critical safety components in a vehicle's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking relies decisively on the brake pads. Below is an introduction to brake pads: 1. Overview: Brake pads, also referred to as brake linings, are the most crucial safety parts in a vehicle's braking system. The quality of braking performance is largely determined by the brake pads. Brake pads typically consist of a steel plate, an adhesive heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The heat insulation layer is made of non-heat-conductive materials. 2. Purpose: The primary function is to insulate heat. The friction block is composed of friction materials and adhesives. During braking, it is pressed against the brake disc or drum to create friction, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle.
Brake pads, actually just a small part of the braking system, are particularly important because they're responsible for slowing down or stopping the car. Every time you press the brake, the brake pads clamp onto the rotating brake disc, creating resistance through friction to instantly decelerate the vehicle. If the brake pads are severely worn or not replaced in time, the braking distance of the car will increase, and it might even lead to accidents, especially on slippery roads during rainy days. Having driven for over a decade, I know how crucial regular inspections are. Typically, they need to be replaced every two to three years or after tens of thousands of kilometers. The material is wear-resistant, but poor road conditions or sudden high-speed braking can accelerate wear. Remember, make it a habit to check the braking sound and response yourself—safety comes first. Neglecting car maintenance invites trouble.
Brake pads are the friction components in the braking system, directly contacting the brake discs to achieve deceleration. I often perform maintenance on my car myself and find checking them straightforward: open the engine compartment and see if the brake pad thickness is below 3mm—if it's too thin, it needs replacement. During replacement, basic tools like wrenches and a jack are sufficient; just remove the old pads and install new ones. Don’t overlook checking the brake fluid, as it affects braking efficiency. This DIY process saves both money and time, and I do it every six months to avoid costly major repairs later. Excessively worn brake pads can damage the brake discs, increasing overall repair costs—so acting early ensures safer and smoother driving.
