Brake Pad Replacement: What Affects Brake Pads?

If acceleration is applied, it is obvious that the brakes will also be used. The brake pads will wear further due to the force used to slow down the multi-ton machine. There are many things that can affect brake pads and must be taken into account while driving.

Above all, brake pads are primarily affected by heat and friction. To stop the car you would need a caliper that has a device strong enough to hold the brake disc or rotor. Friction causes wear on any surface because the two sides rub against each other. Wear on the surface of the brake pad could wash away the compounds that help with deceleration. Friction is used between the disc and the pad, so when the caliper squeezes the two pads on the disc, it will slow down the car.

The more you use the braking system, the hotter the pads will get as friction generates heat. High temperature also decreases performance due to a term called brake fade. The driver will also have to depress the pedal much earlier to brake in time to avoid a collision.

A common term for this in the automotive industry is brake fade. This means that when the pads reach a high temperature, the binders or resins that are used to bind the compounds turn into gas, which could cause the pads to slip uncontrollably. This is usually something that happens once or twice and usually resolves on its own.

Did you know that brake fluid can also damage and affect the pads? If there is fluid in the pads, it generally means there is a leak that could compromise braking quality. The stickiness on the brake pad could also accumulate dirt and grime over time, which will also affect the quality of the deceleration speed.

If you suspect that something is affecting the brake pads, you will notice different sounds. Sounds you should hear include squeaks when you step on the pedal, squeaks, and metallic grinding. These sounds could also be related to disk or rotor problems. Longer stopping distances can also be a cause of pad wear.

As you brake, over time, the surfaces will wear out completely. Once it’s worn out, you’ll need to replace your brake pads to make driving and stopping safe once again. Regular maintenance is necessary to avoid any experience with problem parts.