Brake Pad Safety Concerns Gain Attention, With Industry Standards And Supervision Under Further Upgrade
Recently, topics related to brake pads have attracted widespread attention. From the exposure of low-quality products to discussions on industry standards, the quality and safety of brake pads have become a focal point. As the number of registered vehicles continues to grow, brake pads-core components of a car's braking system-directly impact driving safety with their performance.
Exposure of Low-Quality Brake Pads Highlights Safety Risks
Recently, media reports revealed that "iron sheet brake pads" have entered the market. Produced by unethical merchants using cheap iron sheets and lacking the critical friction layer, these brake pads pose significant safety hazards. Tests conducted by Dongchedi (a well-known Chinese automotive media platform) showed that vehicles equipped with iron sheet brake pads have a braking distance nearly 50% longer than those with normal brake pads when decelerating from 100 km/h. During emergency braking, iron sheet brake pads fail to provide sufficient braking force, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or loss of vehicle control. Additionally, under frequent braking or high-speed driving conditions, they may deform or fall off due to high temperatures, further escalating the risk of brake failure.
According to data from Toutiao (Douyin's news and information platform), complaints about "iron sheet brake pads" have increased by more than 300% in the past year, mainly concentrated in unauthorized maintenance shops in third- and fourth-tier cities and used car markets. Low-priced vehicle models, cars serviced at illegal repair shops, and used cars have become the "high-risk areas" for low-quality brake pads.
Quality Supervision Inspections Reveal Some Non-Conforming Products
The Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation recently conducted supervision and inspection on the quality of automotive brake linings (i.e., brake pads). A total of 35 batches of products were sampled, and one batch was found to be non-conforming after inspection. The non-conforming item was friction performance: if the friction coefficient is too low, the braking system cannot output sufficient braking torque, leading to a significant extension of braking distance; if the friction coefficient is too high, it will cause dynamic instability during braking, resulting in issues such as vehicle vibration, braking noise, and braking deviation-all of which seriously threaten driving safety.
The sampled products in this inspection originated from 9 provinces and municipalities, with one batch of non-conforming products marked as produced by an enterprise outside Shanghai. The non-conforming products have been transferred to the relevant market supervision departments for handling in accordance with the law.
Improvement of Industry Standards and Regulations, Strengthened Supervision
In response to brake pad quality issues, relevant authorities and the industry have taken proactive actions. On one hand, efforts are being made to improve industry standards and regulations, while strengthening supervision over the production and sales of brake pads. For instance, the upcoming National Emission Standard VII will include the emission of brake pad wear particles in its supervision scope for the first time. This will push automakers and auto parts manufacturers to place greater emphasis on environmental protection and safety performance in material selection and product design.
On the other hand, the industry calls on consumers to enhance their ability to identify quality products, purchase vehicles through formal channels, conduct regular inspections of braking systems, and choose accessories from well-known brands. At the same time, efforts are being made to standardize the management of the auto maintenance industry, crack down on the practice of using shoddy products to replace quality ones in illegal repair shops, and purify the market environment.
Automotive safety allows for no negligence. As a key component ensuring driving safety, the quality of brake pads cannot be underestimated. With the upgrading of industry standards and strengthened supervision, it is expected that the quality of brake pad products in the market will be effectively improved, creating a safer travel environment for car owners. Relevant authorities also remind consumers that if any abnormalities are found in the vehicle's braking system, they should promptly take the vehicle to formal maintenance institutions for inspection and repair to ensure driving safety.
