Brake pads are a component of disc brakes used in automotive and other applications. Brake pads are composed of steel backing plates with friction material bound to the surface that faces the disc brake rotors.

In disc-brake systems, the brake pads are the friction material the caliper squeezes against the rotating disc, or rotor, to slow the wheel’s rotation and stop the car. In drum brakes, the pads are called shoes. Subject to tremendous friction and heat, brake pads wear down and must be replaced as part of a car’s regular maintenance. How long they last depends both on the car’s design and how it is driven.

HOW TO MAKE BRAKE PADS LAST LONGER:

So what can you do to get the most out of your brake pads? Believe it or not, the answer is more than likely far simpler than you think. In fact, the easiest thing you can do is simply change the way you drive in order to reduce the wear and tear on your pads. A few small changes in your driving style will not only make you a safer driver, but make your brake pads last longer as well !

Here are a few things you can do to help keep your car’s brake pads working properly for longer:

1.Drive with the flow of traffic to avoid any unnecessary heavy braking.

2. Give yourself plenty of following distance from the car in front of you so you can coast to a nice, easy stop.

3. Remove any unnecessary weight from your vehicle.

4. Keep your speed low in heavy traffic and avoid any sudden braking.

You can also take care of your brakes by spraying off your rotors when you wash your car. As you brake, dust accumulates on your rotors, which adds extra friction to your pads when they engage, shortening their lifespan. Cleaning your rotors off when you wash your car keeps them smooth and allows your brakes to engage cleanly without the extra wear and tear.