The Complete Brake Pad Bedding-In Guide: Maximize Performance from Day One

Why Bedding-In Matters

New brake pads and rotors must go through a bedding-in process before they deliver their full performance potential. Skipping this step — or doing it incorrectly — can result in uneven pad deposits on the rotor surface, vibration, reduced stopping power, and premature wear. Done correctly, bedding-in takes less than 30 minutes and sets up your brake system for optimal long-term performance.

What Happens During Bedding-In

During bedding-in, a thin, even layer of brake pad material is transferred onto the rotor surface. This transfer layer improves friction consistency and protects the rotor from direct metal-to-metal contact. The process also cures the resin binders in the brake pad compound, which can otherwise cause glazing and reduced bite.

The ICOOH Bedding-In Procedure

Phase 1: Initial Heat Cycles (Street)

1. Find a safe, traffic-free road or empty car park
2. Accelerate to 60 km/h and apply moderate brake pressure to reduce speed to 10 km/h — do not stop completely
3. Repeat 6-8 times, allowing 1 minute between each stop for cooling
4. Drive normally for 10-15 minutes to allow full cooling

Phase 2: Progressive Loading

1. Accelerate to 80 km/h and apply firm (70%) brake pressure to reduce to 10 km/h
2. Repeat 4-6 times with 2-minute cooling intervals
3. Allow brakes to cool completely — minimum 30 minutes before parking

Phase 3: Track Preparation (if applicable)

For track use, complete an additional 3-4 laps at 80% pace before pushing to full performance. This ensures the pad compound is fully cured at operating temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Coming to a complete stop while hot — causes uneven pad deposits at the stopping point
• Applying the handbrake while hot — can warp rear rotors
• Skipping cooling intervals — overheating uncured pads causes glazing

Questions about your specific ICOOH brake system? Contact our technical team for personalized guidance.