Like most automotive parts, brake pads and rotors also need to be broken in. The benefits of breaking in new pads and rotors far outweigh the cost of not doing it. Therefore, learning how to break in new brake pads and rotors could save time and money down the road.
Speeding the vehicle up to speeds of fifty miles per hour, then hard braking wears the brake pads and rotors down enough to work more efficiently. The steps to do this include:
- Following the forty-fifty-forty rule, your first run is at forty miles per hour
- Then go up to fifty miles per hour to engage the ABS
- The remaining three to four runs should be at forty miles per hour.
The important part is not to entirely stop the vehicle; you want to let off the brake somewhere between five and fifteen miles per hour. The faster the speed, the higher the speed at which the release occurs. The goal is not to let the brakes stop the rotor because the brake pad material will warp the brake rotor. Keep reading to learn more.
Find a Safe Area to Drive
Finding a secluded, empty parking lot or road is essential for general safety.
Some places to look for a safe area when testing your brake pads and rotors are:
- Private properties
- Old highways with minimal traffic
- Vacant parking lots
- Behind big department stores
- Fairgrounds
- Semi-truck storage yards
- Mechanics shops
Making sure that the brakes were correctly installed ensures personal safety and the safety of everyone around the vehicle. Also, make sure that the roads are clear of any debris before breaking in the pads and rotors.
Gradually Increase the Speed and Stopping Distance
Stopping distance should be calculated by taking the speed and multiplying it by three. The answer is how many feet it will take to stop the vehicle at that speed. This does not have to be precise, but use the best judgment of a reasonable person.
Between thirty-five and forty miles per hour, speed up and slow the vehicle down. The ideal speed to slow down to is under five miles per hour. Repeat this step a few times; two to three times should be plenty.
The idea is to warm the brake pads up a little and get that top layer of material moldable. Once the pads are nice and warm, they need to be bedded to the rotor.
Increase the Speed to Driving Conditions
At this stage, getting the vehicle up to driving speeds is crucial; this is the point where the brake pads are warm enough to mold themselves to the shape of the rotor. The critical step here is not activating the anti-lock braking system (ABS). This would cause the pedal to kick back and the brake to pulsate, defeating the purpose of bedding them.
After the vehicle reaches speeds of fifty-five to sixty-five miles per hour, apply the brake pressure just enough to stop smoothly without activating the abs system. Then, slow the vehicle down to around fifteen miles per hour.
This step should be done anywhere from four to five times to properly shape the brake pads and rotors. The brake pads will be nice and melty at this point, enough for them to finish molding as they cool.
Park to Cool Down the Brakes
The last step is to cool the brakes down by parking the car for an hour. However, just simply sitting in that parking lot is not going to do it. Driving the vehicle is the only way to cool and finish bedding the brakes.
Take a route with minimal stops and only use light pressure on the brakes, being very gentle. Remember, if the brake pads become too hot, they will melt to the rotor, causing a warped rotor over time. Do this for a few miles and then park the car for an hour or so and let the brakes cool entirely.
Summary: The Importance of Breaking In Brake Pads and Rotors
While it may not be a complete necessity to bed in new brakes, it certainly helps with the performance and longevity of the brake pads and rotors.
Most people will break in their brake pads simply because they are driving around and using them. Therefore, it helps save money in the grand scheme of things, as the brake pads and rotors will last longer and be easier to clean.
In addition, bedding the brakes is another way to stress test the braking system to ensure it is up to par.