IN THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF PRECISION

The brake pads of a recently launched Chinese car costing $45,000 are as thin as paper? How important are brake components to vehicle safety?

Created on 08.28

Recently, there have been discussions online regarding the thickness of brake pads in some vehicles, including mentions that a recently launched Chinese car priced at $45,000 has brake pads "as thin as paper." This description is undoubtedly an exaggeration. According to industry standards, the thickness of new brake pads is typically around 1.5 cm (15 mm)1. As wear occurs, brake pads should be replaced once they wear down to a thickness of 3 mm, with an absolute safety limit of 1.5 mm1.

Brake components are undoubtedly among the most critical safety features in a vehicle. Their importance is self-evident, as they are directly related to the driver's ability to control the vehicle's speed and stopping distance, especially in emergencies.

How Important Are Brake Components to Vehicle Safety?

The braking system is one of the core systems ensuring vehicle safety. Its performance directly determines whether the vehicle can decelerate and stop reliably in various conditions.

1. Directly Determines Braking Performance

Shorten Braking Distance

: High-quality brake pads provide sufficient friction, significantly shortening the braking distance, thereby reducing the risk of collision3.

Provide Reliable Braking Force

: In emergency situations, the braking system must respond quickly and provide adequate braking force to bring the vehicle to a stop in the shortest possible distance3.

2. Ensure Driving Stability

Prevent Side Slipping or Deviation

: A well-functioning braking system maintains stable braking force, ensuring the vehicle decelerates smoothly without skidding or pulling to the side due to uneven brake force3.

Avoid Wheel Lock-Up

: Especially for motorcycles and electric vehicles, brake failure can lead to wheel lock-up, causing loss of control and serious accidents2.

3. Prevent Brake Failure

Reduce the Risk of Malfunction

: Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn brake pads can effectively prevent brake failure caused by excessive wear39.

Maintain Performance Stability

: High-quality brake components (such as brake pads and discs) maintain stable performance even in high-temperature environments, avoiding thermal decay现象 (brake fade) that could lead to loss of braking effectiveness45.

4. Enhance Driving Comfort

Reduce Noise and Vibration

: Premium brake pads (e.g., ceramic brake pads) generate less noise and vibration during braking, improving comfort57.

Provide Linear Feedback

: They offer a more linear braking feel, allowing the driver to control the braking force more precisely5.

How to Judge if Brake Pads Need Replacement?

To ensure safety, it's crucial to regularly check the condition of brake pads. Here are some common methods:

Inspection Method	Description	When to Replace
Visual Inspection	Observe the thickness of the brake pad through the gaps in the wheel hub.	If the thickness is significantly reduced, close to or less than the wear limit indicator (usually 2-3 mm) 1 .
Tool Measurement	Use a caliper or other professional tools to measure the thickness of the brake pad.	Generally, when the thickness is less than 5 mm , consider replacement; 3 mm must be replaced 7 .
Listen for Sounds	Pay attention to whether there is a sharp metal friction sound when braking.	If a sharp sound occurs, it may mean the wear limit indicator is scraping the disc, requiring immediate inspection 7 .
Feel Braking Performance	Notice if the brake pedal feels soft, the braking distance lengthens, or the vehicle vibrates when braking.	These may be signs of excessively worn brake pads or other issues with the braking system 7 .

Recommendation: Develop the habit of checking your brake pads every 5,000 kilometers1. For some models where the brake pads are not easily visible without removing the tires, it's best to have them inspected regularly at a repair shop1.

How to Choose the Right Brake Pads?

Choosing high-quality brake pads is key to ensuring braking safety. Here are some selection suggestions:

Material Selection

:

: Offer better heat dissipation, lower wear, and lower noise, but are more expensive7.

: Cost-effective, but may produce more brake dust and noise7.

7.

Brand Reputation

: Choose products from well-known brands (such as Brembo, Bosch, Akebono, etc.), as they typically have stricter quality control5.

Compatibility

: Ensure the selected brake pads perfectly match your vehicle model7.

Certification Marks

: Look for products that have passed international certifications like IATF16949 or China's CCC (3C) certification4.

Conclusion: Braking Safety Is No Small Matter

Although the online description of "brake pads as thin as paper" for a $45,000 Chinese car is likely an exaggerated remark, it reminds us that the importance of brake components as key safety parts in vehicles cannot be overstated. They are not only related to the safety of the driver and passengers but also to the safety of other road users.

Investing in high-quality brake components and performing regular maintenance and inspections are indispensable to ensuring driving safety. Don't neglect the warnings of "metal grinding sounds" or "lengthened braking distance," as these could be signs that your braking system is calling for help. Remember, safety is always the number one priority when driving, and everything that affects safety deserves the utmost attention.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available materials and is intended for reference and informational purposes only. Specific braking performance and maintenance recommendations may vary depending on the vehicle model and actual conditions. Please refer to your vehicle's owner's manual and consult professional technicians for advice.

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