As with all items that make up the brake system, the pad is critical to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. Product quality and correct maintenance are important aspects to ensure braking efficiency. But how do you know when to revise and replace the component?
Raulincom Borges da Silva, service coordinator for TMD Friction, the world’s largest brake pad manufacturer, owner of the Cobreq brand, gives tips on the subject.
Noise
Braking noise can be a sign that something is not going well, although it does not always interfere with braking efficiency. When in doubt, the ideal is to make an assessment of the condition of the brake pads. When the thickness of the coating material on the steel base of the pad reaches a minimum level, the metal stop may come into contact with the moving brake disc and cause noise, even damaging it. In this case, the pads must be replaced with new ones.
Brake Fluid
When the brake fluid level starts to drop progressively you need to check what is going on. If there are no leaks it is likely that the brake pad is worn out. Therefore, completing the brake fluid level without evaluating the pads is not advisable.
Time to brake
If you find that the vehicle is taking a long time to respond by applying the brake pedal, ie taking longer to stop than usual, then it is time to seek help from a preventive maintenance and automotive repair professional.
Pedal
Be aware if you notice that the brake pedal is slack or sinking. Loss of brake sensitivity can be a serious problem and endanger vehicle occupants.
Mileage
The recommend is to review the brake pads every 5 or 10 thousand kilometers driven. Comply with the vehicle manufacturer’s prescribed overhaul times prescribed in the owner’s manual, which already include brake checks.
The service coordinator comments that brake pad life depends on several factors such as driving style, overload, tire condition, road conditions and component quality. “This last item is extremely important, as products of poor quality or of doubtful origin, as well as having a shorter durability, can put the safety of drivers and passengers at risk,” he points out. At TMDFriction, for example, Cobreq brake pads undergo rigorous testing. The Research and Development Center uses the inertia dynamometer, a benchtop simulation and measurement equipment to evaluate the noise generated during braking, as well as performance (friction level) and pad durability.
ABOUT COBREQ
Cobreq is one of the brands of the TMD Friction group, the largest manufacturer of brake pads in the world. The company develops tarpaulins, shoes and brake pads covering light, heavy and motorcycle vehicles. Located in an area of 100,000 m², in Salto, in the interior of São Paulo, the plant represents one of the largest units of the TMD Friction group outside Europe. For more information, visit www.cobreq.com.br.
About TMD Friction Group
TMD Friction, a group of Nisshinbo Holdings Inc., is the global leader in the manufacture of brake pads for the automotive industry. It also manufactures disc brake pads and drum brake linings for applications in a variety of vehicle types. Its product portfolio also includes sport brake pads as well as friction materials for this segment. TMD Friction serves the global spare parts market through the Textar, Nisshinbo, Mintex, Don, Pagid and Cobreq brands, as well as developing and producing friction linings for the industry under the brands Cosid and Dynotherm. TMD Friction Group has four manufacturing plants in Germany, as well as other units in Europe, the USA, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan and South Africa. The group has over 5,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.tmdfriction.com.
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