Where Are the Brake Pads Installed?
2 Answers
Brake pads are installed inside all four wheels. Cars have disc brakes and drum brakes. The brake pads of disc brakes can be seen from the outside of the wheels, while drum brakes offer better performance; the brake drums inside the wheels are not visible from the outside. Below are some relevant explanations: 1. Principle: The parking brake activates the rear brakes, requiring the function of the brake pads. The parking brake adds a mechanism controlled by a cable to the rear brakes. Some vehicles come with a brake pad warning function—once the wear limit is reached, the dashboard will alert you to replace them. 2. Replacement Requirements: Generally, the brake pads should be inspected every 5,000 kilometers. Not only should the remaining thickness be checked, but also the wear condition of the pads, whether both sides are wearing evenly, and whether they retract smoothly. Any abnormal conditions must be addressed immediately. Do not wait until the friction material is completely worn out before replacing the brake pads.
Brake pads are installed in the wheel area of a car, specifically fixed on the brake disc with a clamp. This position allows them to directly clamp onto the rotating part of the wheel—step on the brake, and the pads press against it to slow down. It's quite clever to place them here, close to the wheel center, providing immediate friction and reducing delay. If installed farther away, braking might fail, potentially leading to danger. When positioned correctly, braking is stable; if misaligned, they may squeak, shudder, or even overheat and wear out. As someone who's driven for years, I've developed the habit of checking the inner side of the tires every few months or having a mechanic inspect pad thickness and alignment during maintenance. Proper positioning ensures safe long-distance driving and prevents accidents. Don’t overlook this in daily driving—simple maintenance of their position is key.
