One device that is quite important and should not cause problems is the braking system. Its function is clearly to slow down the vehicle to adjust the speed of the car. However, there are times when the brake pads that are used as a brake component experience wear or the cool language is out of wear. If you have this, the brake’s ability to slow down the vehicle’s speed decreases, which results in the brakes not gripping.

The solution, we need to replace a set of thin brake pads.

But when is the time? when is it time to change brake pads? Is it the same as engine oil, scheduled? for more details, we have prepared in depth below. Regarding the question above, the answer is uncertain. It is true, the replacement of brake pads is uncertain when it is done, it can last up to 6 months or even 2 years, all depending on the installation, of course, But there are ways and features that can determine the thickness of the car disc brake pads. Want to know how? immediately see the list below.

How to Measure the Thickness of Brake Shoes

There are several steps we can use to check the thickness of the brake lining, among others

1. There is a squeak sound when braking

Squeaking sounds can be caused by many things including fluid getting into the brake disc or the brake lining has run out. The screeching sound that you hear when the brake pads are thin is the sound of friction between the two metals. But take it easy, your car’s brake pad doesn’t rub against the disc, it’s just that there is a brake wear indicator that makes this squeaky sound when the brake pads are thin. The rest will be discussed at the last point.

2. Look at the brake fluid level

Brake fluid functions to deliver pressure from the pedal to the brake caliper. The nature of brake fluid as a fluid adjusts its place. In the reservoir you will see the volume of your car’s brake fluid. If it is detected below normal, it may indicate that the brake pads are thin. The reason is this, when the thickness of the brake lining decreases, the total thickness that is flanked by the piston on the caliper will also decrease. This happens because the piston is always pressing the canvass towards the disc. If the canvass is thin, the distance the piston has to travel is also farther. As a result, the brake piston will be more prominent.

Because the brake piston protrudes, the space inside the brake hydraulic line also increases, of course this requires more brake fluid. This brake fluid is taken from the tank reservoir which makes the volume decrease. So, if you detect a lack of brake fluid, it is not only due to a leak but it could also be due to a problem related to this brake lining. If you encounter this condition, then continue to the next step.

3.Remove your car brake pads

To be sure again you can remove your car brake pads. The method is quite easy, remove the front wheels (you will know how to remove the wheels). When the wheel is removed, you only need to remove one bolt to remove the pads from the brake system. There are two caliper fixing bolts. You only need to remove one bolt, usually the bottom one. After releasing, you can lift the bottom of the caliper and you can immediately take the brake pads from the brake disc,

4. Do a visual inspection

This checking step is actually not that complicated, you just need to check the condition of the brake pads using the indicators provided. The first indicator is on the center line of the brake linings, this line will be very clear if the pads are still thick, and if this line is almost gone and even has been erased then this is a sign that the brake pads need to be replaced.

But not all brake pads are equipped with this line, there are some pads that have a flat design without lines. To check it you can use the next indicator. The second indicator is called a brake wear indicator, this component is shaped like a plate that points towards the brake disc. The function of this indicator is to notify the driver if the brake pads are thin.

When the brake pads are thin, the brake wear indicator will rub against the brake disc when you step on the brakes and produce a squeak. If you see this brake bear, it must be parallel to the surface of the brake pads. This means that it must be replaced.

Tips to preserve the use of brake pads

For those of you who have just replaced your car brake pads with new ones, there are tips that you can apply to make your brake pads more durable, including;

1. Cool the car when driving long distances

The first tip is related to the heat generated by the brakes. Brakes work by converting the energy of motion to heat energy through the friction medium. The result is that if you continue to use it, it will further increase the temperature of the disc and brake pads. If the car continues to be forced to run in this condition, the two components will be potentially damaged. If the canvass material is softer, the canvass structure is easily released due to heat so that friction when braking will erode the brake a lot. Therefore, if you have plans to go out of town, it’s a good idea to take a break at intervals of 2 to 3 hours. In addition to cooling the engine and brake system, this can also give you a rest so you can focus on driving later.

2.Always clean the brake caliper and the area near the brake pads

Dust can also cause brake pads to wear out quickly. The disc brake system does not use a return spring on the calipers. So when we release the pedal pressure, the brake condition is released, but the brake pads are still rubbing against the disc. If dust is present, this will further exacerbate movement of the caliper pistons and movement of the brake linings. So there is a term brake drag even though the brake pedal is released. This of course not only affects the power of the car that is stifled but also affects the acceleration of brake lining wear. The solution, make sure you regularly clean the car brake system. You can do it yourself or use the vehicle service on the service schedule.

3. Adjust your driving style

There are many driving styles. There are those who have a relaxed driving style that often lowers the gas long before the turn, there is also a rushed driving style that just drops the gas 3 meters before turning. This driving style certainly has different effects on the condition of the car components. A rush of driving tends to eat up the life of the brake pads faster because this driving force often drives the vehicle at high speeds and to stop it requires a lot of pressure on the brakes, as a result the brake pads work extra extra. Relaxing driving style has a positive impact on the use of brake pads. Because of this style, they tend to hold the car in crowded areas or have many turns and they also lower the gas more often (taking advantage of the car’s moment) so that the brake performance is not as heavy as the first. For that, adjust your driving style to be more relaxed in crowded areas or with lots of turns. This is a complete and detailed article on how to measure the thickness of a car brake pad. Hopefully it can be useful and add to our insight.