Glossary / Engine

pads

13 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Brake pads are the pieces that rub against the wheel’s metal disc to create friction and slow the car. They get worn out and must be changed.

Technical Definition

Brake pads are the friction material that presses against the rotor when the brakes are applied. They wear down over time and need replacement.

Hear It Discussed

"but basically everything else, brakes. So pads and rotors"
The Best and Worst Cars This Year — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 219 The Carmudgeon Show 09:21

"And I think the fact that they put new pads in maybe worsened the problem. The more the caliper may have been marginally acceptable when they put the pads in."
#2639: Honda Habitat The Best of Car Talk 09:18

"But the pads, there was two choices of pads and they were wrong."
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - November 29, 2025 - Hour 1 - When You Bring the Wrong Van… and Other Shop Adventures - (855)560-9900 Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 07:12