Will Newly Replaced Brake Pads Fail to Stop the Car?
3 Answers
Newly replaced brake pads may fail to stop the car effectively because their surfaces are relatively flat, resulting in reduced contact area with the brake discs and lower braking force. This can lead to inadequate stopping power. New brake pads require a break-in period of approximately 200 kilometers before they can achieve optimal braking performance. Precautions for replacing brake pads: 1. Always use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brake pads to ensure effective braking and minimize wear between the pads and discs. 2. Special tools must be used to retract the brake caliper pistons during replacement. 3. After installation, firmly depress the brake pedal several times to eliminate any gaps between the pads and discs.
I've changed brake pads a few times, and indeed, the brakes feel a bit soft during the first few drives. The new brake pads haven't fully conformed to the contact surface of the old brake discs yet, just like new shoes need a breaking-in period. Usually, after driving about 200 kilometers, it gets better. Additionally, if the brake discs weren't thoroughly cleaned of oil stains or rust during installation, it could affect the friction performance. The mechanic mentioned that after changing them, it's best to test the brakes a few times at low speed to wear off that shiny coating on the surface; otherwise, you might skid during emergency braking. Another scenario is switching to brake pads made of different materials—ceramic pads are harder than metal ones, so the initial braking distance might be slightly longer. In short, don't rush to speed right after changing them; give the braking system some time to break in.
Last week, I helped my neighbor replace the brake pads, but he complained about poor braking right after driving off. Upon inspection, it turned out that the caliper piston wasn't fully retracted, causing excessive gap between the pads and rotor, resulting in longer pedal travel. While rare, improper installation can indeed affect braking performance. Additionally, new brake pads are thicker than worn ones, so the pedal may initially feel deeper—some mistake this for softer brakes. It's advisable to test drive at low speeds after pad replacement to feel the braking response. If the pedal still feels mushy after a day of driving, promptly return to the shop to check for installation issues. The braking system is life-critical—never gamble with safety by ignoring warning signs.
