Your brakes will gradually wear down as you use them and need to be replaced. But how do they work, how often do they need replacing and what happens when you have brake problems?

J. Slavič, M.D. Bryant and M. Boltežar (2007), "A new approach to roughness-induced vibrations on a slider.", J. Sound and Vibration, Vol. 306, Issues 3–5, 9 October 2007, pp. 732–750. At Germany's Argus Motoren, Hermann Klaue (1912-2001) had patented [9] disc brakes in 1940. Argus supplied wheels fitted with disc brakes e.g. for the Arado Ar 96. [10] The German Tiger I heavy tank, was introduced in 1942 with a 55cm Argus-Werke disc [11] on each drive shaft. Because we’re committed to producing the safest and highest quality brake discs, a carefully controlled mixture of raw materials is used to produce the finest grey cast iron. Machining process quality isn’t enough – it has to be the best possible mix from the initial casting for the best end performance quality. a b "What's new at American Motors". Popular Science. Vol.185, no.4. October 1964. pp.90–91 . Retrieved 14 December 2015. The brake pads must usually be replaced regularly (depending on pad material and driving style), and some are equipped with a mechanism that alerts drivers that replacement is needed, such as a thin piece of soft metal that rubs against the disc when the pads are too thin causing the brakes to squeal, a soft metal tab embedded in the pad material that closes an electric circuit and lights a warning light when the brake pad gets thin, or an electronic sensor.At your MOT test and annual car servicing garages will usually tell you what's left on your car's brake pads and discs. They'll usually tell you this information in one of 3 ways: Some car owners might find themselves needing a brake pad replacement after 25,000 miles, and others might find their brake pads lasting more than 50,000 miles. It really depends on a number of factors, such as driving conditions and styles as well as the material of the brake pads.

Brake pads - Pads on either side of the brake discs that cause friction when the brake pedal’s pressed. a b c Niedermeyer, Paul (24 September 2015). "1950 Chrysler Crown Imperial: Four Wheel Disc Brakes Standard – But Not Like Modern Discs" . Retrieved 20 August 2020. Cold weather combined with high early-morning humidity (dew) often worsens brake squeal, although the squeal generally stops when the lining reaches regular operating temperatures. This more strongly affects pads meant to be used at higher temperatures. Dust on the brakes may also cause squeal and commercial brake cleaning products are designed to remove dirt and other contaminants. Pads without a proper amount of transfer material could also squeal, this can be remedied by bedding or re-bedding the brake pads to brake discs.

How long do brake pads and discs last?

The vehicle’s weight, carrying heavy loads and towing will all affect the brakes' life-span. Brakes last much longer on EVs and hybrids as they use the electric motor to slow the vehicle, called ‘regenerative braking’. The “opposed piston type disc brake” has pistons on both sides of the disc rotor, while the “floating type disc brake” has a piston on only one side. Floating caliper-type disc brakes are also called sliding pin-type disc brakes. Disc Brake Rotor Never ignore brake pads that need replacing. Most vehicles are fitted with wear sensors to detect when front or rear brake pads are getting critically low. However, there are other signs to look out for too. Warning light Costs for pads and discs can vary dramatically depending on the vehicle manufacturer and the complexity and time involved in stripping the old parts and fitting the new parts. It's always best to take your vehicle to a branch where they can inspect the parts more closely and offer the correct replacement part and an estimate of time and price. Skelton, Sam (21 August 2019). "Automotive Heroes – the Citroën DS". Classic & Sports Car . Retrieved 20 August 2020.