Minimum thickness of brake pads. How to determine the wear of brake pads

The braking system is responsible for the safe braking of the car. The efficiency and speed of the stop depends on its serviceability. The number of mechanisms in the brakes is large enough, and they all have to work like a clock, because the failure of one will result in at least unpleasant consequences. Let's talk about what should be the minimum thickness of the brake pads, as well as how to check for wear.

On the main types of shoes

In recent years, the automotive industry has moved far ahead. A modern car, as a rule, has an advanced braking system, this is the presence of systems controlled by a computer. Here it is necessary to attribute ABS, the system of exchange rate stability, etc. Continuous development of machines leads to progress in the types of brake pads. There are the following types:

• With a semimetallic friction layer (65% copper, iron powder, wire);
• Friction layer of organic (rubber, glass, Kevlar);
• From organic and metallic inclusions in the ratio 70/30);
• Ceramic friction layer with a small inclusion of copper.

Each of the above types has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, a semi-metallic friction layer has good heat transfer, but it wears out quickly and makes a lot of noise during operation. But the pads on the brake pads of the organics are practically no noise and work gently, but in the process a lot of dust settles on the wheel disc. It can be safely said that ceramic are the most preferred. Do not make noise and wear out not too fast. The only drawback is the high cost.

Why do pads wear out too fast?

There are several obvious reasons for premature wear of the linings. Constant driving around the city, when it is often necessary to slow down. This leads not only to wear, but also the high temperature of the disk with the pads. Many car enthusiasts prefer aggressive driving with long and sharp braking. This also leads to a high wear rate. While a quiet ride often contributes to the continued "life" of the brakes.

If you often have to travel with a loaded trunk, then, on the contrary, it reduces the load on the front axle and the brakes, respectively. In general, the overlays for brake pads are recommended to be changed in the time specified by the manufacturer. For the rear axle, this is usually 40,000 km, and for the front about 20,000 km. Although they can break down both earlier and later, for this it is better to perform regular checks.

When do I need to change the brake pads?

In addition to the mileage, auto manufacturers also specify the minimum permissible thickness of the friction lining at which the replacement is necessary. After all, it often happens that you have already traveled 20-30 thousand km, and the pads are new or vice versa, drove a little, and wear is already critical.

The weight of the car also matters. The smaller the machine weighs, the slower the pads wear out and vice versa. But in most cases, the minimum thickness of brake pads on different brands is almost the same and is 2-3 mm.

Sometimes critical wear can be seen visually, even without removing the wheels. In this case, it is possible to stock up in advance with a kit per axle. If the corresponding icon on the dashboard is lit (this option is not available on all cars), then an electronic sensor has been triggered, which determines the minimum permissible thickness of the friction pads.

"Music" pads and beats

There are several other features that allow you to determine the production of overlays. If you recently replaced the brake pads, the price of which was surprisingly low, then do not worry that they will be "musical." This indicates their low quality and insufficient amount of some element in the composition of the alloy.

But there are also special systems that produce a characteristic sound when the minimum thickness of the brake pads is reached. This is a sign to the driver that it's time to replace.

As for such a phenomenon as beating during braking, then this is more serious. The minimum loss on your part is the usual replacement of the pads. In the worst case, you have to replace the disc or drum. It is caused by the fact that the beating occurs as a result of uneven wear of the shoes or the brake disk, chips or cracks in the friction layer. Uneven wear, in turn, may be due to poor quality of linings or discs. In any case, the situation requires an early resolution of the problem.

About how not to do

Not every car owner regularly checks his braking system. This leads to very different consequences, up to accidents on the road. It's still good if you crash into a tree in your yard, but what if the brakes were refused on the highway? Of course, experienced motorists will use engine braking, but not everyone will have time to figure out what is going on.

So, never allow the brake pads to wear to the metal. This will damage the brake disc and eventually disable the system. Regularly check the condition of the brakes. It is not difficult to do this on your own. Do not climb under the car every 5 thousand km, but when the time is right, do not be too lazy.

What conclusions can be drawn?

Here we are with you and figured out how to determine the wear brake pads. This can be done visually, as well as with a ruler or caliper. If you do not have the time and desire to deal with this issue yourself, then entrust this matter to specialists at the SRT.

The minimum thickness of brake pads should be 2-4 mm, but values such as 1.5 mm are allowed. If the overlay is less - change. If within the acceptable range, but is already suitable - we are preparing for a replacement in the near future. It is also worthwhile to regularly check the brake discs for wear and overheating. The latter leads to the fact that the disk is jarring, and the system works less efficiently - the braking distance increases and beats appear. So we figured out when the brake pads are being replaced. The price for them differs depending on the manufacturer and varies between 800-3500 rubles. But do not take the cheapest "musical" friction pads.