What should I pay attention to when installing and maintaining automotive brake pads?

The installation and maintenance of automobile brake pads are key links to ensure the safety and stability of the vehicle's brake system. Proper installation and regular maintenance of brake pads can not only improve driving safety, but also extend the service life of the brake system. The following are several important aspects to pay attention to when installing and maintaining brake pads:

Different models have different requirements for brake pads, including size, material, friction coefficient, etc. When purchasing brake pads, make sure that the selected brake pads are suitable for the brake system of your vehicle.
Use original accessories or certified brands to avoid using brake pads of substandard quality to ensure the performance and safety of the brake system.
Before installing new brake pads, you must check the condition of the brake disc. If the surface of the brake disc is unevenly worn, deep scratches or cracks appear, the brake disc should be replaced in time, otherwise it will affect the normal operation of the brake pad.
If the brake disc is slightly worn, it can be polished and trimmed, but if it is severely worn, it is best to replace the brake disc.
Make sure the direction of the brake pad is correct during installation. Some brake pads have specific installation directions, and you should pay attention to the markings or instructions during installation.
Make sure that the brake pad is in even contact with the brake disc during installation. Do not allow unnecessary gaps between the brake pad and the brake disc.

When installing the brake pad, you can use a special brake pad lubricant (such as high-temperature grease) to apply to the contact surface, bracket and guide rail of the brake pad to reduce friction and prevent the brake pad from generating excessive heat or noise due to excessive friction.

Be careful to avoid the lubricant from contacting the friction surface of the brake pad, as this will reduce the braking effect.

When installing the brake pad, make sure that all bolts and fixings are tightened in place to avoid loosening. Brake calipers, brake pad brackets and other components need to be tightened according to the specified torque value.

Brake pads will gradually wear during use, and the thickness of the brake pads should be checked regularly. Generally speaking, when the thickness of the brake pad is less than 3mm, it is necessary to consider replacing it.

If the brake pad wears unevenly, it may be that the brake caliper, brake disc or other parts of the brake system are faulty and need to be inspected and repaired.

Cleaning the surface of the brake disc is crucial to braking performance. Regularly check the surface of the brake disc for oil, debris or other contaminants.
If necessary, you can use brake cleaner to clean the surface of the brake disc, but make sure that no residue is left after cleaning to avoid affecting braking performance.

During driving, avoid frequent sudden braking or long-term continuous braking, which will cause the brake pads to wear out quickly.
Learn to use engine braking to reduce the burden on the brake pads, especially when driving in mountainous areas or long downhills.
If there is an abnormal sound when braking (such as a sharp friction sound of the brake pad), it may be that the brake pad has been worn to the limit or there is a foreign object on the surface of the brake pad.

If you feel uneven braking force, slow braking response or obvious vibration when braking, it may be that there is a problem with the brake pad, brake disc or other parts of the brake system, which needs to be checked and repaired in time.

Brake fluid is a key fluid in the brake system. Regular replacement of brake fluid can ensure the efficient operation of the brake system. Brake fluid generally needs to be replaced every two years or every 20,000 kilometers, but the specific recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer should be referred to.

When the water content in the brake fluid is too high, it will cause the efficiency of the brake system to decrease, and there is even a risk of brake failure.

Different brands and types of brake pads have different wear. The brake pads should be checked regularly to see if they are evenly worn. If one side is found to be wearing faster, it may be that the brake caliper is stuck or the brake system is unbalanced, which needs to be repaired.

If high-performance brake pads are installed, pay special attention to their wear on the brake disc, as some brake pads may be more aggressive than ordinary brake pads.

The working condition of the brake caliper will directly affect the wear of the brake pad. If the caliper is not working properly (such as the caliper is stuck or the oil seal is damaged), it will cause uneven wear of the brake pad.

Regularly check whether the caliper is flexible and whether there is oil leakage. Lubricate or replace it if necessary.

If there are bubbles in the brake fluid system, it will cause the brakes to be weak or fail. Regularly check the brake system for air infiltration and vent it if necessary.

Brake pads are a vital part of the car's safety system. Installation and maintenance require carefulness. When installing brake pads, make sure the accessories match the model and install them correctly, and avoid using inferior or unsuitable brake pads. In daily use, regularly check the wear of the brake pads, replace them in time, and pay attention to the overall maintenance of the brake system to ensure the safety and reliability of the brake system.