Brakes. Worn brake pads

It would seem that brake linings must withstand tens of thousands of kilometers. Meanwhile, after a few to tens of thousands, the mechanic recommends replacing them. Could this be a manufacturer's error or a fraudulent workshop?

The same pads can be worn both for a thousand kilometers of driving (for example, at sports competitions), and for several tens of thousands of kilometers. This applies not only to sports. It is enough for one driver to drive a car with a larger load, possibly with a trailer, and he also applies engine braking less often. On the other hand, another driver in the same car is better at predicting the road, using catwalks more often, avoiding sudden red lights, etc. The difference in the durability of brake system components between their cars can be multiple. The durability of "brake pads" also depends on their make and model. Sometimes more resistant to overheating, allowing intensive braking (used in motorsports or for tuned cars), also less durable than "regular".

Mechanics follow the rule - usually brake discs are changed every two brake pad changes, although there are exceptions. In fact, it is determined by the thickness of the disk (the minimum value is indicated by the manufacturer) and the condition of its surface. The front brakes, due to the greater braking intensity of the front axle wheels, require lining replacement at least twice as often as the rear ones. The difference is even greater when we have discs in the front and drums in the back.

The editors recommend:

Vehicle inspection. There will be a raise

These used cars are the least accident-prone

How often should brake fluid be changed?

Of course, none of these rules apply when, for example, a lining is torn or a brake disc is cracked - such cases are rare, but possible. 

Always in moderation

Let's mention one more, unfavorable phenomenon that the rubbing elements of the brake system can be exposed to: when the driver is really very gentle and takes care of the brakes every time he slows down ... also not good! Brake discs and linings require significant temperatures to operate effectively. At the same time, for obvious reasons, discs most often made of cast iron are prone to corrosion. Using the brake “normally”, i.e. sometimes braking quite intensively, we clean them and remove the oxide layer from them. A properly functioning disk has the same silver color over its entire surface. Then it wears out the brake pads the least and, in addition, allows you to get the maximum braking force if necessary.

If, while sparing the brakes too much, the discs are allowed to become largely rusted, then, paradoxically, lining wear will increase, and during emergency braking it may turn out that the brake is very weak, because the friction material slides over the oxide layer. In addition, this rust is not easy to remove, usually disassembling and rolling the discs is required, and then it may turn out that they need to be replaced properly. So we advise you to use the brakes moderately hard, as hard braking from time to time will not hurt them at all.

See also: How to care for the battery?

Disturbing symptoms

The mileage between pad and disc replacements cannot be predetermined. Brake wear should be checked at every service and possible current signals should not be ignored. You should also watch out for grinding sounds - a simple solution is a plate that hits the disc when the pads are already thin. When a “beat” occurs during braking, that is, a pulsation of the pedal, this is a signal not so much about the wear of the linings, but about a warp (in extreme cases, cracks) of the discs. Then they should be replaced with new ones, although it sometimes happens that when their wear is still small, it is enough to slightly level (grind or roll) their surface.