Brakes fail – who is to blame?
When braking suddenly becomes unreliable, every driver feels exposed. Possible causes rush through the mind: the brake system could overheat or leak, pads with discs might be icy or wet, a wheel could misalign, or recently replaced pads could be at fault. Handling the braking system with care is essential to prevent an accident.
The most frustrating, yet increasingly common, issue is undersized pads. They can behave unpredictably, especially when a low-quality surface layer overheats, dramatically reducing the coefficient of friction and compromising stopping power.
Brake pads designed for Behind the Wheel vehicles, suitable for most front‑wheel drive models up to and including the Lada Granta, stand out for their balance of quality and affordability.
The pads are crumbling
Friction material can crack or detach from the pad backing. A recent Behind the Wheel evaluation found that such failures are not rare among aftermarket pads, with some Asian brands showing a higher incidence. This kind of malfunction almost guarantees danger: the pad may fail to brake effectively, and the piston of the brake cylinder can extend beyond normal limits, causing depressurization of the system and a loss of braking capability.
Pads without electrical wear indicators can still be used on vehicles with ventilated discs and ABS, though they offer less protection against undetected wear.
There is an exit
How can a buyer avoid fake or substandard pads? In markets where well‑known global brands have withdrawn, the risk increases. Counterfeit or near‑identical products often fill the gap, and only a specialist who understands both the products and their packaging can reliably differentiate genuine from fake. [Citation: Behind the Wheel analysis]
Pads equipped with electrical wear indicators provide a safeguard against unexpected brake failure due to excessive wear. Their price is often competitive, though the market remains volatile. With pricing fluctuating wildly, many owners of common models choose budget pads from reputable domestic suppliers. These products typically meet standards, perform reliably, and are cost-effective, with relatively lower risk of counterfeiting compared to some foreign brands.
Behind the Wheel recommends
When pads squeak or wear becomes excessive, replacement is wise. A strong option for replacement is the Behind the Wheel range of brake pads.
To simplify the selection process, Behind the Wheel now offers a line of high‑quality, affordable brake pads for both domestic and foreign cars, available through the usual pickup channels for your vehicle. [Citation: Behind the Wheel product guidance]