When it comes to driving safety, brakes are clearly one of the most vital components. However, the fact is that brake pads are often overlooked by car owners. In fact, if they become worn out and are not replaced in time, the risks can be dangerous on the road.

To avoid any issues, let’s identify the early signs that your car’s brake pads are starting to wear out.

1. Annoying Squeaking Sounds

Have you ever heard a squeaking or unusual grinding sound when you press the brakes? That’s a classic sign of thinning brake pads. The thin surface of the pads causes direct friction with the rotor or drum. If this happens, don’t ignore it—it’s a clear warning to check your brakes immediately.

2. The Brake Pedal Feels Soft or Spongy

If the brake used to stop the car with just one press, but now you have to press it deeper to stop the car, it could mean the brake pads are worn out. This condition causes the hydraulic system to work extra hard and makes braking less effective than usual.

3. Vibration When Pressing the Brake

When you press the brake, does the steering wheel or pedal vibrate? This means the brake pad surface is uneven due to wear. Besides being uncomfortable, this condition can interfere with vehicle control, especially when braking at high speeds.

4. Increased Braking Distance

This is the most serious sign. If the vehicle takes longer to stop, or continues moving even after the brakes are fully applied, it is clear that the brake pads are faulty. In an emergency situation, this condition can be extremely dangerous.

5. Brake Indicator Light on the Dashboard is On

Modern vehicles typically have brake pad sensors. If the brake indicator light is on, don't ignore it. It could mean the system has detected worn brake pads and they need to be checked immediately.

6. Visual Inspection of Brake Pads

If you want to be more certain, take a direct look at the condition of the brake pads. Normally, the thickness should be around 1 cm. However, if it’s below 3 mm, it must be replaced. Being too thin exceeds the safe limit and clearly increases the risk on the road.

Better Safe Than Sorry

Ignoring brake pads is like gambling with your own safety. This component may seem small, but it plays a crucial role in vehicle control. So, don’t wait until danger signs appear. Perform regular inspections and replace the brake pads before they’re completely worn out.

Remember, on the road, one second can make all the difference in safety.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Jangan Sepelekan! Ini Tanda-Tanda Kampas Rem Mobil Harus Diganti

Kalau ngomongin keselamatan berkendara, rem jelas jadi salah satu komponen paling vital. Tapi faktanya, kampas rem sering banget luput dari perhatian pemilik mobil. Padahal, kalau sampai aus dan telat diganti, risikonya bisa bikin bahaya di jalan.

Biar nggak kecolongan, yuk kenali sejak dini tanda-tanda kampas rem mobil udah mulai habis.

1. Suara Decit yang Mengganggu

Pernah dengar suara decit atau gesekan aneh pas injak rem? Itu tanda klasik kampas rem menipis. Permukaan kampas yang sudah tipis bikin gesekan langsung dengan cakram atau tromol. Kalau sudah begini, jangan disepelekan, itu alarm keras buat segera cek rem.

2. Pedal Rem Terasa Dalam atau Empuk

Kalau biasanya sekali injak langsung pakem, tapi sekarang harus injak lebih dalam biar mobil berhenti, bisa jadi kampas rem sudah aus. Kondisi ini bikin sistem hidrolik kerja ekstra keras dan bikin pengereman nggak seefektif biasanya.

3. Getaran Saat Injak Rem

Rem diinjak, tapi setir atau pedal malah bergetar? Itu artinya permukaan kampas rem sudah nggak rata karena aus. Selain bikin nggak nyaman, kondisi ini bisa ganggu kontrol mobil terutama saat ngerem di kecepatan tinggi.

4. Jarak Pengereman Jadi Lebih Panjang

Ini tanda paling serius. Kalau mobil butuh waktu lebih lama buat berhenti, atau masih melaju meski rem udah diinjak habis, jelas kampas rem bermasalah. Dalam situasi darurat, kondisi ini bisa fatal banget.

5. Indikator Rem di Dashboard Menyala

Mobil-mobil modern biasanya sudah ada sensor kampas rem. Kalau lampu indikator rem nyala, jangan anggap sepele. Bisa jadi sistem mendeteksi kampas rem udah aus dan harus segera dicek.

6. Cek Visual Kampas Rem

Kalau mau lebih yakin, coba intip langsung kondisi kampas rem. Normalnya, ketebalan masih sekitar 1 cm. Tapi kalau sudah di bawah 3 mm, itu artinya wajib diganti. Terlalu tipis sudah melewati batas aman dan jelas bikin risiko di jalan makin besar.

Lebih Baik Cegah Daripada Menyesal

Mengabaikan kampas rem sama saja seperti pasang taruhan buat keselamatan diri sendiri. Komponen ini mungkin terlihat kecil, tapi perannya besar banget buat kontrol kendaraan. Jadi, jangan tunggu sampai muncul tanda-tanda bahaya. Lakukan pengecekan rutin, dan ganti kampas rem sebelum benar-benar habis.

Ingat, di jalan raya satu detik bisa jadi penentu keselamatan.