Brake pads are one of the most important components of a car, and they play an essential role in stopping the vehicle. So it makes sense that you’d want to buy the right one for your car. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t know how to measure brake pads. This can lead to problems down the road, as thick pads will not work as well with thin rotors. In this blog post, we will teach you how to measure brake pads and choose the right ones for your car.
What is a brake pad?
A brake pad is a type of friction material that is used on a vehicle’s brake system to reduce the stopping distance. The thickness of the brake pad depends on the type and application of the brakes. The average thickness for factory-installed pads is about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
When braking, friction between the pad and rotor creates heat. This heat causes metal to expand and create a cushion against further braking force. Thin pads can wear out prematurely due to this excessive heat generation, while thicker pads may be less effective at stopping distances due to their decreased ability to generate heat.
Types of brake pads
brake pads come in many different thicknesses. Most stock car and street bike pads are around 1/8″ to 3/16″ thick, but some high-performance pads can be as thin as 1/32″. There are also specialty pads for track use that are much thinner, typically around 1/64″.
Thickness affects the braking power and heat generated by the pad. Too thick a pad will not achieve the same stopping distance or heat generation as a thinner pad. However, too thin a pad can wear quickly and cause screeching noises when applied to the brake rotors.
There are two main types of brake pads: friction materials (made from metal or carbon) and thermal inhibitors (usually made from silicone). Friction materials create friction between the rotor and pad, while thermal inhibitors prevent heat from building up on the rotor.
Thin pads require more pressure to stop the car than thicker pads. This is why you sometimes hear people say that “brake pedal feel doesn’t change with pad thickness.” Thicker pads will also last longer because they don’t need to be replaced as often.
How brake pads work
Brake pads are made from a number of different materials, but all share one common goal: to stop your car.
The primary material used for brake pads is metal. Brake pads are attached to the rotor on the front and rear discs of your car by friction. When you hit the pedal, the pads spread the force of the braking system across as much surface area as possible. This increases the ability to slow down your car.
Brake pad materials can differ in a few ways: how hard they are, how thick they are, and what kind of surface they’re applied to. The harder a brake pad is, the more force it can resist before wearing out. Thicker pads can resist more heat, meaning they’ll last longer before needing replacement.
Some brake pads also have a special coating that makes them resistant to rust and corrosion. This is especially important if you live in an area with salt or snow on the roads regularly; these chemicals can damage a pad’s surface over time.
How to test a brake pad
To test a brake pad, you need to remove it from the caliper and place it on a hard surface. You can also use a brake pedal to apply pressure to the pad. If there is metal-on-metal noise or a burning sensation, the pad needs to be replaced.
How to replace a brake pad
Replacing a brake pad is an easy task that can be done in just a few minutes. To replace the pad on your car, locate the screws that hold the caliper in place and remove them. Then, remove the old pad from the rotor. If your car has discs, you will also need to remove the rotor. It is helpful to have a replacement pad in hand before beginning this process so you know what size to buy.
To fit a new pad, first make sure that it is the correct thickness by measuring it against the rotor disc. Most pads are measured in millimeters (mm). Try to buy pads that are at least 2 mm thicker than the original one. Next, slide the new pad onto the rotor and screw it into place using the screws that were removed earlier. Be sure to tighten these screws down until they are snug. Finally, reattach the caliper and you’re all set!
Conclusion
As we all know, brake pads can wear down over time and need to be replaced. However, not all brake pads are the same thickness. Some are thinner while others are thicker. Knowing which type of brake pad you need can be confusing, so in this article, I will outline the different types of brake pads and how they differ in terms of thickness. Hopefully this will help you choose the right brake pad for your car.