What is the effect of uneven wear on braking effectiveness?

Uneven wear on brake components, such as brake pads and rotors, can significantly increase stopping distance due to how it affects the braking surface area and contact uniformity. When brake pads wear unevenly, they may not make consistent contact with the rotor surface. This inconsistency can lead to scenarios where the braking force applied is reduced in some areas, causing the vehicle to require a longer distance to come to a complete stop.

In addition, unevenly worn brakes can lead to other issues such as vibration, noise, and potentially, brake fade. All of these factors contribute to an overall decrease in the effectiveness of the braking system. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of worn components are crucial to ensure that braking performance remains optimal and that stopping distances do not increase dangerously.