when the brake pads are worn out

Brake pads are an important component of a car. Used to help slow down or stop the speed of the car. and help make the car’s safety system work normally So for the safety of the driver We should understand more about brake pads. Along with how to observe the appearance of brake pads when they start to deteriorate In order to be able to check when the brake pads start to deteriorate by yourself If the brake pads in your car begin to signal, they need to be replaced immediately. Let’s see if there are any symptoms.

Components and functions of automotive braking systems

Brake pads are one of the key components of a vehicle’s braking system. At present, there are two types of braking systems that are most commonly used:

disc brake are the braking systems in cars. It has the function of slowing down and stopping the car safely. Which disc brakes consist of brake discs, brake calipers and brake pads. Every working principle will occur when we press the brake pedal. The hydraulic oil in the caliper will push each brake pad into the plate. brake causing friction

drum brake are braking systems that are commonly used in early automobiles such as trucks. Drum brakes consist of: Curved brake pads, brake calipers or brake shoes, springs and pistons connected to the brake line. In principle, it will happen every time when we touch the brakes. The inner brake pads are pushed by the master cylinder against the inside of the brake cover. The brake cover is attached to the car wheel. causing inertia to help slow down and finally able to stop the car

When should I change my brake pads?

Now it’s time to notice that the brake pads in your car. When is it time to change brake pads? which can be observed from the following simple symptoms

step on the brakes deeper than usual
When you feel the need to apply the brakes deeper than usual or have to step on several times to slow down If you have this symptom, you should not leave it for a long time. Because otherwise, your brake pads will wear out and you won’t be able to brake anymore.

Pull the handbrake higher than normal.
When you feel the need to pull the handbrake higher than normal This warning sign means It’s time to check your car’s brake pads.

warning light on car dashboard
For this method is the easiest. which when there is a warning light on the brake pads should hurry to change immediately because if left It can be a major cause of accidents.

broken brakes
This symptom is the most dangerous. Broken brakes are caused by a piece of the brake system being loose. brake pump rubber ball And the brake body is damaged until the brake fluid leaks out of the system completely. The easiest way to check is to check the brake fluid level. And parts of the brake system from the brake fluid reservoir in front of the hood, sure enough.

Symptoms and warning signs when brake pads wear out

steering wheel vibrates when braking
This is a sign that the brake pads are getting thinner. because the brake disc and the tire surface are in uneven contact Therefore, if there is this signal, you should hurry to check and change it urgently.

Step on the brakes and make a noise.
This symptom can be found all the time. There will be a squealing sound of the brakes. arising from dust Stone debris gets stuck between the brake disc and the metal cooling plate. causing a loud noise while stepping on the brakes

check brake fluid
Checking the brake fluid can be done by checking the brake fluid reservoir from the front of the car’s bonnet. and check whether the brake cable is leaking or not which if the brake fluid runs out or leaks Will cause the brake pads of the car to not work and make it work inefficiently The symptoms of the car that are found are The car does not have brakes or has to press the brakes many times.

Service life of brake pads
Car brake pads will have a service life of 30,000 – 50,000 km. which depends on the usage of each person But in some cases, it may need to be replaced early for safety. If the brake pads are swollen or the brakes have a burning smell

Type of brake pads

In addition, we should observe the various symptoms of brake pads and choosing the right brake pads for use. Various applications from other factors will also affect the service life of the brake pads. Which such factors are important to help preserve the use of brake pads to last longer

  1. organic brake pads Is a brake lining made of fibers, with glass fiber, rubber and fiber as the main components. As a result, this type of brake pads will be soft, quiet and no noise when stepping on the brakes. This type of brake pads is suitable for low-speed driving and general driving in the city. Not suitable for those who use the same speed And most importantly, despite the cheap price, this organic brake pad will run out faster than other brake pads as well.
  2. metallic brake pads is the most durable brake pads Because it is made of metal that is resistant to high or different temperatures. can last for a long time This makes this type of brake pads very popular. But this metallic brake pad, when used for a while, will also make noise. and may cause premature wear of the brake discs
  3. Semi-metallic brake pads is a brake pad that contains up to 65% of metal content, is considered the most popular and commonly seen brake pad in modern times Semi-metallic brake pads are highly durable and have a long service life. This type of brake pads is suitable for people who like driving at high speeds. and want to stop the car with the same speed
  4. ceramic brake pads Is a brake pad that is known as the most durable of all the brake pads mentioned above. The brake pads are made of ceramic material mixed with copper fibers. The advantage of this type of brake pads, in addition to being more durable than other types of brake pads, also provides quietness, no black dust, but the disadvantage is that the price is quite high. And the brake fabric itself does not absorb heat may cause the brake disc to overheat.

Factors affecting the service life of brake pads

There are many types of brake pads currently available in the market. Each type of brake pad is different in the material of production. Each type also affects the service life of the brake pads. Therefore, choosing the right brake pads should be chosen according to the driving style. to increase the efficiency of use to the fullest The brake pads are divided into 4 types:

  1. Always clean the brake discs. every time you wash your car Because every time you use a brake disc car, you will encounter dirt and debris. The longer the island is left on the brake disc. The dust will freeze. causing more brake pad consumption when braking
  2. Check the condition of the brake pads every 3 months. If you have used the car for about 3 months or 10,000 kilometers, the car should be taken to a service center. for the mechanic to check the orderliness of the work in different parts of the car
  3. change brake fluid Brake fluid should be changed every 1 year or 40,000 kilometers.
  4. Check the tire pressure properly. Tire pressure is an important factor that car users should take care of. Because the tire pressure will directly affect the braking system. It should not be filled too tight or too flat. Otherwise, the brake pads may have to work extra hard at all.
  5. Shouldn’t brake hard Because it will directly affect the brake pads and brake discs. This creates unwanted marks and also results in reduced performance. In addition, brake pads wear faster than usual as well.
  6. small equipment such as dust-proof rubber balls, brake master cylinder rubber balls, brake piston rubber balls. should be removed for cleaning or checking for abnormalities because if these devices are damaged It may result in brake system problems as well.

Regular car maintenance is important. because it helps the engine to work more efficiently And knowledge about brakes that we have to offer today can help you avoid brake damage and make your driving safer. more comfortable