Drivers often complain that bus brake pads wear out quickly, which is actually the initial stage of wear. The main reasons for this initial wear include the following aspects.
1. The color and construction of counterfeit brake discs or drums can easily cause premature wear of brake pads.
2. Considering that the brake calipers of the braking system are damaged over time, the braking system does not return to its original position, and the discs (drums) are worn out due to long-term dragging and friction.
3. The use of raw materials that do not meet regulations and the unscientific design of the friction layer of the brake pads (too low) are among the reasons for the severe wear of the brake pads.
4. The original car brake pads have a small design area, and long-term high-speed driving, frequent braking, high-intensity work, and long-term use in high-temperature environments are all important reasons for the severe wear of the brake pads.
For the above reasons, it is best to use brake pads compatible with your vehicle. The optimal time to replace brake pads is when the thickness of disc brake pads can be checked by pressing down on them, or by pulling the brake pedal upwards. However, regardless of whether it’s disc or drum brakes, manufacturers require that their wall thickness not be less than 1.2mm, as various test data show that brake pads with a wall thickness of 1.2mm or less wear and detach very quickly. Therefore, drivers should check and replace the brake pads on the brake pedal at this time or earlier. Under high-speed driving conditions, the lifespan of front brake pads is 30,000-50,000 km, and the lifespan of rear brake pads is 120,000-150,000 km.
It’s related to vehicle safety. The braking system is arguably one of the most important parts of a car. With continuous technological advancements, vehicle systems are constantly innovating. Brake pads have also been updated many times. From asbestos brake pads to today’s ceramic brake pads, each upgrade has improved product characteristics. Nowadays, better brake pads are mostly ceramic. So, what are the advantages of brake pads for buses?
1. Regular bus brake pads contain metal components, and the brake pedal itself is primarily made of metal. Therefore, friction with a cast iron brake pedal easily generates noise, significantly reducing the driver’s experience. However, ceramic brake discs have no metal parts. They have closer contact with the brake pads, but produce less noise during friction. Therefore, from a driving experience perspective, ceramic brake pads are better than regular brake pads.
2. Service Life: In terms of service life, ceramic brake pads are much longer than ordinary brake pads. Generally speaking, the service life of ordinary brake pads is only around 60,000 kilometers, while that of ceramic brake pads can reach over 100,000 kilometers. This difference is quite significant. The main difference lies in the friction materials. Ceramic brake pads incorporate metal composite materials, such as coarse particles and ceramic. Therefore, their service life is nearly 50% longer than that of ordinary brake discs.
3. Safety: During the braking process, the brake pads and discs rub against each other to slow the car down. However, these surfaces become very hot during this process, sometimes reaching ambient temperatures of 800-900℃. This heat can cause them to melt or vaporize, reducing their braking performance – a phenomenon known as reduced braking power. Ceramic brake pads, however, are made of high-quality materials. Even at high temperatures, their friction coefficient remains relatively high, thus ensuring safety.