Brakes are the most "loaded" part of a car, especially when it comes to the realities of city driving. Regular checking and replacement, if necessary, of this part is a guarantee of a long life for the car and the driver.
The answer to the question whether it is possible to operate a car with a faulty braking system can be an unequivocal "no". Moreover, it is absolutely not important, we are talking about a violation of the tightness in the hydraulic brake drive or the banal wear of the brake pads. Since the latter, due to the specifics of the operating conditions, can be attributed to the link of the brake system most susceptible to wear, they also require systematic attention.
Indirect signs of brake pad wear
There are a number of signs that indicate to the motorist that it is time to pay attention to the condition of the pads and, if necessary, replace them with new ones.
1. In recent years, brake pads have been produced mainly with a so-called wear indicator, the essence of which is to install a metal strip under the friction material. When the degree of abrasion of the working surface of the pads reaches the initial degree of criticality, an indicator appears, which, when rubbed against the metal of the disc, produces an unpleasant sound in the form of a grinding or squeaking. The appearance of this kind of sound is the first signal of danger.
2. An increase in the braking distance of a car or the need to apply increased efforts when pressing the brake pedal also indicates the approach of the period for replacing the pads.
3. The beating of the brake pedal during pressing indicates the appearance of irregularities, chips in the block or on the disc itself as a result of solid particles hitting their surface.
4. The lack of reverse travel of the brake pedal indicates complete wear of the friction material, which leads to overheating and "sticking" of the metal of the pad to the disc. Driving with such a malfunction is deadly.
If you find any of the above signs on your car, immediately go to a workshop or inspect the pads yourself for immediate signs of pad wear.
Direct signs of problems with brake pads (discs)
Such signs can be detected only during the examination.
1. Reducing the thickness of the cover (the indicator metal is visible, at least partially). If there is no indicator, the thickness of the lining is checked with a micrometer.
2. Violation of the integral structure of the friction material (chips, cracking, clearly noticeable roughness)
3. Damage, deformation of the disc.
Any of the detected problems are an unequivocal signal to replace the faulty or worn-out elements of the brake system of your car.
Keeping the car in good technical condition is a guarantee not only of your personal safety, but also of the safety of the road users around you.
