Brake FAQs

The brakes are among of the least understood components, and yet it is one of the most important safety features in your car. Here are some of the most common questions we get regarding braking systems.

Part 1: Brake Pad Basics

Q: How long do brake pads last?

A: In the Philippines, between 25,000 to 55,000 km, depending on vehicle usage. This data was gathered in a 2019 independent survey.

Q: What factors affect brake pad life?

A: Driving style, brake disc type (blank, drilled, slotted), road conditions, vehicle usage, and brake system condition.

Q: When will you know when to replace the brake pads?

A: Most cars will have an audible wear indicator that produces a high-pitched noise when brake pads are worn. High-end cars will have a brake wear sensor, and a warning light will appear on the instrument cluster.

Q: Is it okay to replace brake pads without replacing brake discs?

A: Yes it is okay, but it is recommended to have the brake disc resurfaced or refaced when replacing the brake pad. Of course, it is always best to replace the brake discs and brake pads together.

Part 2: Brake Disc Basics

Q: How long do brake discs last?

A: In the Philippines, between 50,000 to 100,000 km, depending on vehicle usage. This data was gathered in a 2019 independent survey.

Q: What factors affect brake disc life?

A: Driving style, brake pad hardness, road conditions, vehicle usage, and brake system condition.

Q: When will you know when to replace the brake discs?

A: Discs must be measured for thickness. The minimum thickness level is usually etched on the rotor hub or rotor edge.

Q: Is it okay to have brake discs resurfaced or refaced?

A: As long as the process is done with a proper brake disc lathe, and the finished thickness is still above the disc’s specified minimum thickness, then it is okay.

Q: Is it okay to replace brake discs without replacing brake pads?

A: No. You must always replace brake pads when replacing brake discs.

Q: Is rust normal on brake discs?

A: Surface rust is a normal occurrence. Brake discs are made of cast iron which are prone to oxidation. However, this does not affect safety or performance, unless the rust leaves deep pits in the metal. Application of the brakes during normal driving is enough to clean the surface of the disc and prevent lasting damage. Painted and UV-coated discs create a layer that prevents rust in the beginning, but as the protective layer wears away during normal brake use, the remaining cast iron can still develop rust.

Part 3: Brake Fluid Basics

Q: When must I replace my brake fluid?

A: This depends on the vehicle usage. It is recommended that you replace at least every two years.

Q: Does topping up brake fluid the same as replacing brake fluid?

A: No. The old fluid that is still in the system may already have absorbed moisture, which degrades the effectiveness of the brakes.

Q: Can I mix brake fluid?

A: Glycol-based brake fluids may be mixed, however the mixture will have the characteristics of the lowest rated fluid.

Part 4: Braking On The Road

Q: What does bedding-in brakes mean and how do I do this?

A: Bedding-in brakes is the process of applying an even, thin layer of friction material to the brake disc. This is done to avoid brake vibration and increase coefficient of friction. For most cars, you drive normally without sudden brake application for 100-200 km.

Q: Why am I experiencing vibration when stepping on the brake pedal?

A: This is usually caused by worn-down or warped brake discs. This can also be caused by improper bedding-in of the brake pad, wheel bearing problems, or worn out steering and suspension parts.

Q: Why are my brakes are making squeaking noises?

A: There are many causes for this. Noise can be caused by hard brake pad compounds, irregular disc or pad wear, debris stuck in the brake pad, or hardening of the brake pad caused by stop-and-go driving, or a combination of hot, dusty, and humid conditions. It can also be the brake pad wear indicator, alerting the driver that the brake pads are due for replacement.

Part 5: Brake Performance

Q: Should I buy brake pads with the highest temperature range?

A: No. You should buy brake pads with a temperature range that is applicable for the car’s main use. For example, if a car is used mostly as a road car, then it should be able to work in colder temperature ranges.

Q: Should I buy brake pads with the highest friction coefficient?

A: No. If the coefficient of friction of the pads is greater than what the brake system is designed for, you can experience reduced brake disc and pad life, and faster onset of brake fade. Also, most brake pads with higher friction coefficients tend to have higher temperature ranges, which may require operating temperatures that a road car will not reach, meaning poor real world performance.

Q: Which is better? Cross-drilled discs or slotted discs?

A: It depends on how you use your car. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In general, cross-drilled discs are usually best for road cars, or cars that see some action on a racetrack. Slotted discs are more suitable for more track-focused cars, or race cars.

Q: Do bigger discs mean greater stopping power?

A: Not necessarily. Some brake discs surface finishes, such as cross drilling, or slotting, may influence friction coefficients. Increasing the size of the brake disc is more related to increase in its capacity to absorb and dissipate heat. Stopping power is determined more by the brake pad friction material, the piston area of the caliper, and the material and design of the brake disc.

Q: Are all two-piece rotors considered floating rotors?

A: No. Floating rotors are those with hardware that allows for different thermal expansion rates of the cast iron annulus and aluminum rotor hub. The hardware is not tightened too much, which allows the rotor to “float.”

Q: Can I retrofit brakes from one model to another?

A: It is possible, but in most cases it is not advisable. The brake bias of two vehicles can be very different, even if the cars look similar, or if the components can bolt directly on. Having brakes with a bias that is wrong for your car can lead to worse braking performance than stock, or make the brakes act unpredictably in emergency situations or at the limit.