What is brake pad? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of brake pad in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of brake pad

brake padnoun
má phanh
/ˈbreɪk pæd//ˈbreɪk pæd/

Where does the word brake pad come from?

The term "brake pad" can be traced back to the early 1900s, when cars were first equipped with brake systems that used shoes to press against brake drums to stop the vehicle. Initially, brake materials were made of asbestos, a hazardous mineral that could cause respiratory issues for those who worked with it. As demand for safer brakes increased, manufacturers began developing alternative materials for brake linings. One of these materials was asbestos substitutes, such as ceramics, semi-metallic fibers, and non-asbestos organic materials. As the use of asbestos in brake linings declined, the term "brake pad" emerged to describe the new, more advanced materials replacing the old asbestos-based brake linings. The term "pad" instead of "lining" was chosen because the new materials were thicker and more substantial, capable of providing better stopping power and longer wear life. In summary, the term "brake pad" came into use as car manufacturing technology evolved, and brake systems shifted from asbestos-based linings to newer, safer materials. The term has stuck, and it's now commonly used to describe any material that is used to stop a vehicle's wheels from turning.

Example of vocabulary brake padnamespace

The brake pads on my car need to be replaced as they have worn down significantly during my daily commutes.
After hearing a persistent grinding noise while braking, I inspected my car's brake pads and found them to be ancient and in need of replacement.
The brake pads on my bicycle have seen better days and I can feel the lack of stopping power when I need to slow down quickly.
During a routine tire rotation at the mechanic's shop, I had the brake pads inspected and was informed that they still had some life left in them.
With the brake pads on my car being close to the end of their lifespan, I decided to invest in a set of ceramic brake pads for improved braking performance.