Automobile brake pads are an important part of the automobile braking system, which is directly related to our driving safety. When driving, timely and accurate braking is an important part of protecting the safety of yourself and others.
1.How brake pads work?
Automobile brake pads are key components for decelerating and stopping the car through friction. The friction between them and the brake disc creates resistance, converting the car's kinetic energy into heat energy, thereby slowing down or stopping the car. Therefore, the quality of the brake pads is directly related to the braking effect and driving safety.
2.What are the categories of brake pads?
Metal brake pads: the most common type, they are made of metals such as iron, copper and steel, and have the advantages of wear resistance, high temperature resistance, and strong braking force, suitable for high-speed or heavy-loaded vehicles. However, metal brake pads also have disadvantages, such as loud noise, easy to generate dust, and damage to the wheel.
Semi-metallic brake pads: On the basis of metal brake pads, some non-metallic materials, such as graphite and glass fiber, are added to improve the performance of the brake pads. Semi-metallic brake pads are lighter, softer, and quieter than metal brake pads, and are suitable for general city driving. However, semi-metallic brake pads also have disadvantages, such as the braking force is not as strong as that of metal brake pads, and the wear resistance is not as high as that of metal brake pads.
Ceramic brake pads: Made of ceramic and some non-metallic materials, they are the most advanced brake pads at present, with advantages such as wear resistance, high temperature resistance, strong braking force, low noise, less dust, etc., suitable for high-end cars or drivers with high requirements for braking performance. However, ceramic brake pads also have disadvantages, such as high price and damage to wheels.
Organic brake pads: Made of organic materials such as resin and rubber, they are the most environmentally friendly type of brake pads, with advantages such as light weight, low noise, and less dust, and are suitable for drivers who drive at low speeds or are conscious of environmental protection. However, organic brake pads also have disadvantages, such as poor wear resistance, poor high temperature resistance, and weak braking force.
3.Three major reasons affecting brake pad damage
Wear
When the standard replacement mileage is reached, the brake pads will wear out. Everyone has different driving habits. If you often drive violently and brake hard, the mileage may be less than the standard mileage in advance; if you have good driving habits and drive gently, the mileage of the brake pads will generally exceed the standard mileage. Vehicles that often drive on highways have longer brake pad life than those on city roads, because the frequency of braking on highways is lower than that in cities.
overheat
If you often drive on steep mountain roads or use the brakes frequently, the brake pads are prone to overheating (thermal decay), which can cause damage to the brake pads.
Mechanical failure
Due to the long-term use and damage of the brake caliper of the braking system, the brake pad does not return to its original position, resulting in the brake pad and brake disc (drum) not being separated and the wear being extremely severe.
4.How to judge whether the brake pads need to be replaced
(1)When checking the brake system, the thickness of a new brake pad is about 1.5cm. As the number of times it is used increases, the thickness of the brake pad will gradually become thinner. When the thickness of the brake pad reaches 0.5cm, it is time to consider replacing it for driving safety.
(2)When you step on the brakes, you can clearly feel that the brakes are weak and soft. You need to step on the brakes deeply to achieve the previous braking effect. The braking distance becomes longer, which seriously affects driving safety. You should consider replacing the brake pads.
(3)When the brake fault light is on or you hear a "squeaking" sound when the brake pads rub against the brake discs, it means that the brake pads are worn to the point where they need to be replaced.
Edited by Asiautos Auto Part
