What Causes Increased Vehicle Resistance After Replacing Brake Pads?
3 Answers
The reason for feeling increased vehicle resistance after replacing brake pads is that the new brake pads and brake discs have not yet worn in properly. The solution is: After replacing the brake pads, you need to press the brake pedal several times while stationary until it becomes very firm. Additional information about brake pads is as follows: 1. Brake pads are the most important safety components in a vehicle's braking system. The effectiveness of a car's braking depends on the quality of the brake pads. 2. A vehicle's brake pads mainly consist of a steel plate bonded with a heat insulation layer and friction material. The steel plate is rust-proofed through coating, and the heat insulation layer is made of non-conductive materials. The friction material is composed of friction compounds and adhesives. 3. During the braking process, the brake pads are pressed against the brake discs or drums, creating friction that slows down or stops the vehicle. 4. Since brake pads undergo friction movement, the friction material gradually wears out, requiring regular replacement of brake pads.
Just changed brake pads and the car feels harder to drive? I know exactly what you're talking about because I experienced the same thing last month. The main reason is that new brake pads have a smooth surface, just like new shoes that need a break-in period. When driving, you might notice subtle friction from the tires, which indicates the brake pads and rotors haven't fully seated yet. I also recommend checking if the brake caliper pistons are stuck—last time, the mechanic didn't lubricate them properly. Another common issue is uncleaned brake caliper slides; leftover metal shavings can increase resistance. Don't worry, it usually smooths out after 300–400 km. If it persists beyond that, you should definitely get it rechecked.
Does the car feel like it's dragging a sandbag after changing the brake pads? It's probably because the new brake pads are too thick. Some cheap brake pads on the market exceed the standard thickness, causing reduced brake clearance after installation, which keeps the wheels in a semi-braking state. My neighbor once opted for cheap brake pads, and his fuel consumption shot up by 2 liters. Also, check if the brake hose is twisted. Mechanics might accidentally twist the hose during installation, leading to poor hydraulic pressure return and increased resistance. I suggest finding a downhill slope and coasting without pressing the accelerator. If the car slows down noticeably faster than usual, it's likely a brake release issue. This needs to be addressed promptly to avoid tire damage and excessive fuel consumption.