Why does the car feel like it can't stop after replacing the brake pads?
3 Answers
Reasons why the car feels like it can't stop after replacing the brake pads: The surface of the newly replaced brake pads is not perfectly flat. When braking, some small protrusions on the surface will first come into contact with the brake disc, resulting in a reduced contact area and lower friction. After installing new brake pads, they need to be broken in for a period of time. Brake pads are a crucial component of the braking system and are also a wear-and-tear part. Many people notice a decrease in braking performance immediately after replacing the brake pads, but this is actually normal. The surface of new brake pads is not completely smooth, and they also need to adapt to the surface of the brake disc. After driving for a while, the braking performance will return to normal.
When I was younger, I loved tinkering with cars. After replacing the brake pads myself that time, the brakes felt spongy, and it was really worrying to drive. There are several main reasons: first, the new brake pads weren’t properly bedded in, and the surface was too smooth—they only fit properly after driving a few hundred kilometers; second, air might have entered the brake system—if the air wasn’t fully bled during replacement, the pedal would feel weak when pressed; third, the brake fluid might have been too low or too old—impurities in the fluid can affect pressure transmission; fourth, the caliper might not have been reset or was misaligned during installation, causing uneven contact. Additionally, using low-quality brake pads makes the performance even worse. I recommend first checking the fluid level and color—if it’s cloudy, replace it with fresh fluid, then try pumping the brakes a few times to bleed some air. If that doesn’t work, don’t take risks—go to a professional shop for inspection immediately. Safe driving is the top priority. Luckily, I discovered the issue in time back then and avoided an accident.
I just changed my brake pads and also encountered the issue of soft brakes. Here are a few key takeaways from my experience: First, air got into the brake lines—bleeding the brakes is necessary when replacing pads, otherwise, the pedal feels mushy. Second, the brake fluid level was low; when the fluid absorbs moisture and ages, its effectiveness drops significantly. Additionally, new brake pads need a break-in period—driving a few dozen kilometers to smooth the surface will normalize performance. Installation errors are also common, such as improperly cleaned calipers or misaligned pads. Low-quality brake pads have poor heat dissipation and are prone to failure. I remember rushing to drive that time, only to find the braking distance had increased, and I nearly had an accident on a rainy uphill slope. Now, I always remind my friends to drive slowly for a few days after changing pads, check the fluid reservoir to ensure it's full, and occasionally pump the brakes to release air bubbles. If none of these steps improve the situation, it’s best to have a technician inspect it promptly—don’t delay until it becomes a major issue.
