What Does Brake Pad Wear Mean?
3 Answers
Brake pad wear refers to the gradual wearing down of the friction blocks on a car's brake pads due to frequent braking during use. As a result, the braking effectiveness diminishes over time. If not replaced promptly, it can lead to a complete loss of braking performance, compromising driving safety. Steps to replace brake pads: 1. Open the engine compartment and check the brake fluid level to prevent overflow during replacement. 2. Remove the wheel where the brake is located. 3. Unscrew the bolts of the brake caliper and take out the old brake pads. 4. Install new brake pads, tighten the guide bolts, and complete the replacement. Brake pad materials include: 1. Asbestos, cellulose, sintered glass. 2. Carbon fiber friction materials. 3. Powder metallurgy friction materials. 4. Semi-metallic friction materials.
Brake pad wear refers to the gradual thinning of those two small pads in the braking system during use. Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered this situation several times. The brake pads make contact with the wheels, and each time you press the brake, friction is generated to slow down the car. However, excessive friction gradually wears away the material, which is called wear. If the wear becomes too severe, you may notice louder noises when braking or a softer pedal feel, at which point the braking effectiveness is significantly reduced. In emergency situations, the stopping distance increases, which can be quite dangerous. It's best to have regular inspections, such as checking every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers driven, or listening for any squeaking sounds yourself. Replacing the pads is a minor issue, but neglecting repairs could lead to major accidents. In short, this is normal wear and tear—just address it promptly.
I didn’t pay much attention to this when I first bought my car, but later the mechanic taught me what brake pad wear is. Simply put, the brake pads are the metal pieces next to the wheels. When you brake, they rub against the discs to help slow down the car. However, after repeated use, the material on the pads wears thin—this is called wear. Wear isn’t a big issue, but ignoring it can be troublesome—like longer braking distances, which can lead to rear-end collisions. I learned to check it myself: usually, I listen for any strange noises when braking or if the car doesn’t slow down smoothly. It’s recommended to visit a repair shop every six months to have them measure the thickness. Remember, this little thing is about safety—don’t wait until it’s completely worn out to deal with it.
