What is the method for checking car brake pads?
3 Answers
Car brake pad inspection methods are: 1. Listen for sounds - when lightly applying the brakes, if you hear a metallic scraping sound like iron rubbing against iron, it indicates a problem with the brake pads that requires immediate replacement at a repair shop; 2. Check the thickness of the brake pads - new brake pads are about 1.5 cm thick. When visual inspection shows the thickness has reduced to only one-third of the original, increase inspection frequency and be prepared to replace them at a repair shop; 3. Feel the braking force - as brake pads wear thin, braking performance will be affected. Brake pads, also called brake linings, are critical safety components in a car's braking system, playing a decisive role in braking effectiveness. Brake pads typically consist of a steel plate, adhesive heat insulation layer, and friction material. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, with the coating process monitored by SMT4 oven temperature tracking equipment to ensure quality by detecting temperature distribution during coating.
I usually check the brake pads by myself, basically following three steps. First, check the thickness by shining a flashlight through the wheel hub gap to inspect the brake pads. New pads are about 1 cm thick, and they need replacement when worn down to below 3 mm. Next, listen for sounds. If you hear a squeaky metal friction noise when braking while driving, it's the wear indicator alerting you to replace them. Finally, test the pedal feel. If the brake feels spongy or the travel distance is longer than before, it's likely the brake pads are worn out. I check them every 5,000 to 6,000 kilometers, especially after long trips. Recently, I noticed the left front wheel was wearing faster than the right, which turned out to be a sticky caliper, so I got it fixed promptly. Although DIY checks require some effort, they save a lot of money and, more importantly, keep you informed about your car's condition.
Checking brake pads is quite simple. The most straightforward way is to lift the car or use a jack to stabilize it and remove the wheel. Using a caliper to measure the thickness of the brake pads is the most accurate method—new pads are around 10 mm thick, and you should start paying attention when they're worn down by half. The key is to check if both sides are wearing evenly. If one side is thicker than the other, it might indicate a stuck caliper. Also, inspect the brake discs for scratches or warping, as heavily worn discs can affect braking performance. Last time, a client's car had grooved discs, and resurfacing them only cost 200 bucks. Oh, and when replacing pads, always apply some anti-seize lubricant to the caliper guide pins—otherwise, they might seize up again in six months. It's recommended to check every 10,000 km, especially after rain, as brake pads tend to accumulate dirt and wear out faster.
