Brake pads are extremely important components in a car's braking system and directly affect driving safety. As usage time increases, brake pads will gradually wear down. When brake pads are worn to a certain extent, it may affect braking performance and even pose a danger. The following are five major signals of brake pad wear. If these warnings are ignored, safety may be endangered:
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Abnormal brake noise
If a sharp metallic friction sound is heard when stepping on the brake, this is usually a signal of excessive wear of the brake pads. After the friction material of the brake pads is exhausted, the metal base plate comes into direct contact with the brake disc, producing a harsh sound. At this time, the brake pads must be replaced immediately, otherwise the brake disc will be damaged.
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Soft or hard brake pedal
A change in the feeling of the brake pedal, such as being softer or harder than usual, may be a signal of brake pad wear or a problem in the braking system. If the brake pedal needs to be pressed deeper to stop the car, it indicates that the brake pads are overly worn and the braking effect is weakened.
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Longer braking distance
When you find that the vehicle needs a longer distance to stop, this may be the result of brake pad wear. Insufficient thickness of brake pads will reduce the friction force of braking, thus affecting the braking effect and increasing the braking distance. This is a very dangerous signal.
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Brake warning light comes on
Many modern cars are equipped with brake pad wear sensors. When the brake pads are too thin, the brake warning light on the dashboard will come on. If you see this warning light, do not ignore it and should immediately check and replace the brake pads.
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Steering wheel or body shakes
When braking, if you feel the steering wheel or body shake, it may be caused by uneven wear of the brake pads or damage to the surface of the brake disc. This situation will affect the braking stability of the vehicle and the braking system needs to be checked as soon as possible.
Summary
The wear of brake pads directly affects driving safety. Regular inspection and timely replacement of worn brake pads are of utmost importance. Ignoring the above signals will not only reduce driving safety but may also lead to more serious brake system failures. Ensuring regular maintenance and inspection can make driving safer and more reassuring.