Active Safety: Understanding This Life-Saving Component
[Maintenance Tips] Active Safety: Understanding This Life-Saving Component
📅 Updated: 2024-11-15, 11:00:00
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Introduction to Active Safety: The Vital Role of Brake Pads
🚗 In a previous article, we discussed the importance of brake fluid in active safety and explained when it should be replaced. Have you checked yours yet? When it comes to active safety, there’s another critical component that works hand in hand with the brake disc to decelerate your vehicle. Yes, we’re talking about the brake pads.
👨🔧 Brake pads may often come up during routine maintenance, or you might hear your technician mention them. But do you know when it’s time to replace them? And with so many brake pad options available on the market, how do you choose the right one for your car? To answer these questions, we consulted Baldy, the experienced head of 3G Automotive Studio, who has years of expertise in braking systems and parts sales.
When Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
👨🔧 According to Baldy, there isn’t a universal lifespan for brake pads. The replacement interval largely depends on your vehicle’s usage and driving conditions. Regular inspections are essential to determine when to replace them.
🚘 Some mid-to-high-end vehicles come with built-in sensors that alert you when the brake pads are worn out. However, if your car lacks this system, don’t worry! Most brake pads have a built-in wear indicator—a small groove on the friction surface.
🛠️ This groove isn’t a design flaw or cost-cutting measure; it’s a wear indicator, similar to the tread markers on tires. Once this groove is worn away, it’s time to replace your brake pads. While the pads may still have some life left, this remaining material is designed for temporary use only—enough to get you to a repair shop.
Additionally, you might notice the brake pedal sinking deeper during braking, which is another sign to check your pads.
How to Choose Brake Pads?
Choosing the right brake pads depends on your specific usage. Baldy highlights two key parameters that indicate a pad’s performance:
Operating Temperature
Brake pads generate heat due to friction during braking. If the temperature exceeds the pad’s operating range, it can cause brake fade, severely reducing braking power.
Standard brake pads are typically designed for temperatures between 0-200°C or 250°C, which suffice for daily driving. However, for emergency stops or high-speed scenarios, these limits can easily be exceeded.
⚠️ For added safety, consider pads with a higher temperature range, such as 0-400°C or 450°C, for better performance.
🛑 Note: Racing brake pads often have much higher operating temperatures (up to 800°C or 1000°C) but require a minimum temperature to function properly. These are unsuitable for daily driving.
Friction Coefficient
This indicates the braking force a pad can generate. Higher friction coefficients generally mean stronger braking force, but they can also result in overly sensitive brakes, potentially causing discomfort or accidents. Conversely, a low coefficient can make brakes feel unresponsive.
🔎 Most standard brake pads have a friction coefficient of 0.38-0.45, while performance-focused pads may go up to 0.47 or 0.5. Always check these specifications when choosing a pad.
Brake Pads and Daily Safety
🔧 As Baldy emphasizes, original equipment brake pads are adequate for city driving, where speeds and temperatures are relatively low. However, for highway driving or emergencies, higher-performance pads provide better safety margins.
🚗 Brake pads are a cornerstone of active safety. By investing in high-quality pads, you’re not just protecting your car—you’re safeguarding lives.
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