How does brake pad wear affect the braking effect of bicycle disc brakes?

The degree of brake pad wear has many effects on the braking effect of bicycle disc brakes. This is not only related to riding safety, but also directly affects the riding experience and bicycle maintenance costs. As the brake pads gradually wear, their effective contact area with the brake disc will be significantly reduced. When the same amount of braking force is applied, the friction generated by worn brake pads is greatly reduced, resulting in a significant weakening of the braking force. In addition, due to the reduced contact area, the brake pads may take longer to reach sufficient contact to produce an effective braking effect, which can cause a delay in braking response, especially in emergency braking situations. May increase accident risk.
Uneven wear of brake pads can also lead to instability during braking, manifesting as shuddering during braking or deviations from the intended path. This instability not only affects the smoothness of the ride, but may also aggravate further wear of the brake discs and pads. At the same time, severely worn brake pads may make a high-pitched noise when braking, which is not only uncomfortable, but may also be an early warning signal of potential problems with the braking system.
Metal debris or particles from worn brake pads can embed themselves into the surface of the brake disc, creating wear marks that will deepen over time, resulting in a reduction in disc thickness, ultimately affecting its structural integrity and braking performance. In addition, debris may also contaminate the brake fluid, affecting the cleanliness and lubricity of the fluid, thereby accelerating the wear of other components in the brake system.
Frequent replacement of brake pads and early replacement of brake discs, brake oil pipes and other components due to wear will undoubtedly increase the maintenance cost of the bicycle. At the same time, it takes a certain amount of time to replace the brake pads or check the brake system every time, which is also a consideration that cannot be ignored for busy cyclists.
To maintain optimal performance of the braking system, cyclists should develop the habit of regularly checking brake pad wear. This includes observing the thickness of the brake pads, checking for cracks, excessive edge wear, etc. Once you find that the brake pads are worn to the limit mark or the braking performance is significantly reduced, you should replace the brake pads with new ones immediately.
Good riding habits, such as avoiding long-term continuous braking and maintaining a reasonable riding speed, can reduce the burden on the braking system and extend the service life of the brake pads. At the same time, regular cleaning of dirt, grease, etc. on the surface of the brake pads and brake discs will also help maintain stable braking performance.
For high-end bicycles or riders who pursue ultimate braking performance, consider regular professional brake system maintenance, such as brake oil replacement, brake system cleaning, etc., as well as upgrading higher-performance brake pads, brake discs and other components as needed. It is also an effective way to improve the overall performance of the braking system and extend its service life.