Auto parts suppliers tell you what does a brake pad do?

Auto parts suppliers tell you: brake pads are far more than just brakes. But before you understand the function of brake pads, you must first know what brake pads are.

What are brake pads?

LONG WIND AUTO PARTS, as a "veteran" who has been in the auto parts industry for more than ten years, handles tens of thousands of brake pads every day. I find that many car owners' understanding of brake pads still remains at the level of "they will make a noise and stop when you step on the brake". Today, I'll set aside the cold parameters and have a heart-to-heart talk with you all about what unexpected functions this life-saving component has in critical moments. It is not merely a simple friction material; it is the last and most crucial line of defense for your driving safety.

What does a brake pad do?

1.Core function: Convert kinetic energy into thermal energy, enabling vehicles to "stop at any time"

Let's get to the ground. When you step on the brake pedal, the hydraulic system transmits force to the brake calipers, which then tightly "hold" the brake discs that rotate along with the wheels. During this process, the brake pads, as the compressed party, forcefully convert the kinetic energy of the wheels into thermal energy by generating a huge frictional force with the brake discs.

In simple terms, just as rubbing your hand against the ground causes it to heat up and stop, brake pads are using their own "wear and tear" to exchange for smooth deceleration and stopping of the vehicle. This is its most fundamental and core mission.

2.Safety guarantee: It's not just about stopping, but about "stopping steadily and accurately"

But is it enough to "be able to stop"? It's far from enough! A high-quality brake pad has a deeper function reflected in:

To maintain braking stability: In situations where frequent braking is required, such as long downhill sections and continuous curves, high-quality brake pads can effectively resist thermal fade. This means that even if it works for a long time and the temperature is very high, its braking performance will not decline sharply, avoiding the dangerous situation of "the brake getting softer the more you step on it".

To ensure emergency braking efficiency: When an obstacle suddenly appears ahead, the reaction time of just a few tenths of a second determines everything. High-performance brake pads can offer a shorter braking distance. This few meters of reduction might be the distance between life and death.

To enhance reliability in adverse weather conditions such as rainy days: A good brake pad material formula and design can more quickly drain the moisture from the brake disc, ensuring braking performance on nearly dry roads even in rainy days and significantly improving safety.

3. Invisible Cost Control: Saving You 'Invisible' Money

Many people think that brake pads are consumables and it's fine to buy a cheap one. Little do you know that poor-quality brake pads may be quietly making you spend more money

• Protecting brake discs: High-quality brake pads have uniform material and moderate hardness. When rubbing against brake discs, they cause "friendly" wear, which can greatly extend the service life of expensive brake discs. However, poor-quality brake discs may act like sandpaper, accelerating wear and even scratching the brake discs, which is not worth it.

• Reduce noise and vibration: Have you ever been troubled by the "squeaking" sound when braking or the violent shaking of the steering wheel? This is often caused by poor material or uneven distribution of brake pads. A good brake pad is equipped with sound-absorbing plates and made of high-quality composite materials, which can provide a quiet and smooth braking experience and enhance driving comfort.

4.How to determine if your "guardian deity" is about to retire?

Generally, the replacement cycle of brake pads is between 30,000 and 60,000 kilometers, but it should be determined based on the actual inspection results. Here are three simple self-checking methods:

• Listen to the sound: When you gently tap the brake, if you hear a sharp metallic friction sound (this is a wear warning plate alerting you), it indicates that the brake pads are approaching their limit.

• Check the thickness: Observe through the gap of the wheel hub. When the thickness of the friction material of the brake pad is less than 5 millimeters, it should be considered for replacement.

• Feeling the force: If you feel that the brake pedal is deeper and softer than usual, or you need to apply more force to achieve the original braking effect, this is also a danger signal.

Brake pads, these components that are often overlooked in daily life, carry the safety of you and your family. It is by no means merely an iron sheet that can stop a car, but a technological product that integrates safety, stability, economy and comfort. When making a choice, please be sure to select brand products from regular channels and with quality guarantees.

Safety is no small matter. Every smooth stop is its most loyal protection for you

The reasons for choosing LONG WIND

LONG WIND manufacturer is your reliable partner for automotive solutions! We focus on suspensions, brakes, clutches, rubber parts, steering systems, engines, electrical systems, cooling systems and filtration systems. Contact us immediately (phone: +86-19957470631, email:[email protected]) for reliable automotive parts solutions!