This is a problem that all drivers ask themselves at least once in a while. Indeed, the brake pads wear over time and it is not always known when to replace them. The state of wear brake pads on a Kia Optima or other vehicle depends on various points. You think your Kia Optima is malfunctioning braking ? We will try to know in this text if your Kia Optima has a malfunction or not. To begin, we will see what the brake pads are for, and then why we will have to replace them, and once we have seen all of these points, we will therefore see when we need to change them.
What is the purpose of a brake pad on a Kia Optima?
Just before asking the question of whether or not it is necessary to replace the brake pads, you must first understand what they are used for and how they work. The wheels of your car are connected to a brake disc. The brake pads are therefore fixed around this brake disc . And if you press the brake pedal, the pads tighten around the disc to brake it, and consequently correspond to brake the wheel. Usually it is the brake pads that wear out faster than the disc. The latter is replaced very infrequently.
Why change the brake pads of a Kia Optima?
You may not know it, but it can be unwise to get behind the wheel with worn brake pads. Your Kia Optima has probably already lost a lot of grip, but wear and tear takes place over time and it is clearly not necessarily obvious to realize it. If the so-called share of garnish deteriorates completely, the metal part could come into contact with the disc and there you risk having an accident, or breaking the disc permanently.
When to change brake pads on a Kia Optima?
It is therefore useful to replace the brake pads. Usually, we say that it must be done every 50 kilometers. But these data are super variable and you will be able to drive completely longer without replacing them. Generally, if you drive mainly in the city, where braking is more abrupt and constant, you will need to replace your pads more frequently. However, via flexible driving, you will be able to drive super long with your Kia Optima without replacing them. There are several ways to know when to replace them. The safest way is to watch or measure . Remember what a new brake pad looks like, or look on the internet, and compare. Don't worry, they suddenly change their appearance. However, you will be able to judge the thickness that has been removed. It is the best indicator. Some plates also have a wear indicator . Another way to find out is on the dashboard . Many models have a warning light that lights up if the brake pads turn out to be excessively worn. In the event that the latter is triggered, it is probably time to go to the mechanic. At the same time, if the level of brake fluid is really too weak it can be presented as a good indicator. Indeed, the liquid is more quickly consumed when the pads are worn. It is not a safe bet but it can put the chip in your ear.
Conclusion:
Now you know what the brake pads are for and when to replace them on your Kia Optima. There are still a few things to know. There is a break-in for the pads, which is usually done around five hundred km. Before that, the braking is clearly not at its maximum. It should also be understood that various models of pads sometimes go on the same disc. Just before trying solo work at your home to replace them, We always recommend you go to a mechanic. It's ok, now you have all the cards in hand. Have a good ride and be careful!