How to Break in New Break Pads
Breaking in an automobile's brake pads is important not only for the brakes to last their full life-cycle, reach the full potential and increase the overall safety of the vehicle. Properly broken-in brakes will reduce the prospect of brake squealing, and also improve how the pedal and brakes respond together. New rotors in combination with new brakes may require a slightly longer breaking in-process to burn off any anti-corrosion coatings that can interfere with the braking power of the vehicle.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Pump the brake pedal a few times after just changing the brake pads to raise the pressure in the brake fluid lines and allow the pads to settle against the rotors.
-
2
Take the vehicle to a speed of approximately 60 mph. Warm the brake pads and rotors slowly by gently applying the brakes a few times. This will protect the pads from the shock of cold braking, which may allow fractures to form in the pads.
-
-
3
Brake the car hard by pressing the pedal sharply and take the vehicle from 60 to 30 mph suddenly. Accelerate again to the 60 mph level and then repeat the process up three times, but don't come to a full stop.
-
4
Return to 60 mph, establish a cruising speed and avoid touching the brakes if possible for about five minutes. This will allow the brake pads to cool down to a normal operating temperature while driving.
-
5
Slowly apply brakes to test the grip against the rotors. The braking should be fluid and smooth and the vehicle shouldn't have any shake or wobble present.
-
6
Repeat the process if the brakes don't seem to be handling optimally. This may also be required if there are new pads on old rotors that need more priming to work with the rotors.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Try to avoid traffic while braking in new brake pads as unplanned stops may influence the braking-in process.
Avoid performing this in an area where the police may frequent or at peak traffic times to avoid having to explain the erratic driving actions.
Brake pads may produce a smell or even lightly smoke during and shortly after the process. This is normal and is an indication that it is working.
Never go from high speed to a dead stop with new brake pads as it may cause a lack of control.
