What are the precautions after replacing brake pads?
4 Answers
After installing new brake pads, it is necessary to break them in. The relevant precautions are as follows: 1. Find a place with good road conditions and few vehicles to start the break-in process. Accelerate to 60 km/h, gently apply the brakes, and use moderate braking force to reduce the speed to about 10 km/h; 2. Release the brakes and drive a few kilometers to allow the brake pads and discs to cool slightly, then repeat the above steps at least 10 times; 3. The broken-in brake pads still require several hundred kilometers of driving to achieve optimal performance with the brake discs. During this period, drive carefully to prevent accidents.
When I first changed my brake pads, I paid special attention to the break-in period for the new brakes. For the first 500 kilometers, I drove with extra caution because new brake pads and rotors need time to bed in properly. On my commute, whenever I approached a red light, I would start gently applying the brakes two to three hundred meters in advance to ensure even heat distribution on the pads. Once, a colleague complained about the increased stopping distance with new brakes—turns out he kept applying only half pressure, but new pads actually require more linear pressure. I also made sure to avoid deep puddles, as the new friction coating can become slippery when wet. Over the weekend, I deliberately took a trip to suburban areas with continuous slopes to repeatedly test the braking force, ensuring there were no abnormal noises before feeling at ease. After the break-in period, it's essential to recheck the torque on the bolts—my mechanic always emphasizes this step to prevent loosening.
As a long-haul truck driver, the post-brake-pad-replacement inspection process must never be skipped. After every replacement, three essential tests must be performed: First, repeatedly press the brake pedal twenty times on a safe road section to activate the system. Then, test the changes in braking distance at medium speed. Finally, simulate slippery road conditions with light braking to check if the ABS functions normally. I remember three days after replacing the pads last year while driving through mountains, the brakes felt soft during a descent. I immediately pulled over and found a leaking wheel cylinder. I recommend carrying spare brake fluid for emergencies before long trips. Newly installed brakes have unstable friction—it's best to avoid highway driving in rainy conditions. I once nearly rear-ended someone during heavy rain because the brake pads hadn't fully bedded in. Always watch for signs of softening brakes during long hauls, and don't hesitate to stop at service areas when needed.
After replacing the brake pads, I clearly feel that the braking force comes slower. The mechanic said it takes one or two weeks to adapt. I'm used to running-in at low speed in the residential area: driving slowly in the parking lot for one minute before going to work in the morning, and gently pressing the brakes five or six times to warm them up. Pay special attention to abnormal brake noises. Once I heard a squeaking sound from the chassis when I rolled down the window, and it turned out to be a stone stuck there that wasn't cleaned. Don't follow too closely in urban traffic jams, as new pads may react 0.5 seconds slower. Remember to rinse the brake discs when washing your car on weekends, as dust accumulation can affect braking. It is recommended to measure the thickness of the brake pads once a month. I didn't realize until my car had driven 30,000 kilometers that the aftermarket parts replaced last time wore out abnormally fast.
