Published: October 12, 2026 | Last updated: October 13, 2026
TL;DR
- Bedding in means using a set of controlled stops to lay an even layer of pad material onto the rotor, so the pads and rotors grip smoothly.
- Hawk's method: 6 to 10 moderate stops from about 30 to 35 mph, then 2 to 3 harder stops from about 40 to 45 mph, then a 15-minute cool-down (Hawk Performance, 2026).
- Do not hold the brake pedal down at a stop while the brakes are hot, and park for about 20 minutes until the rotors are cool (Hawk Performance, 2026).
- New pads can take up to 200 miles to fully bed in, so avoid extreme braking until then (Hawk Performance, 2026).
- Always check the instructions for your pads, because some brands, such as Akebono, are pre-burnished and need no special procedure (Tire Rack, 2026).
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How we wrote this guide: we used published bed-in instructions from brake makers and Tire Rack. Always follow the instructions supplied with your own pads.
What Does Bedding In Brake Pads Mean?
Bedding in, also called breaking in or burnishing, is the process of conditioning new pads and rotors so they work together (Tire Rack, 2026). During a series of controlled stops, the pads heat up and leave a thin, even layer of friction material on the rotor face.
When that layer is even, the pad grips the layer on the rotor smoothly. When it is patchy, the pedal can pulse and the brakes can squeal.
A good comparison is breaking in new shoes. A few careful walks help them settle and feel comfortable before a long hike.
Why Bedding In Matters
- Smoother stops: an even pad layer stops judder and pulsing.
- Less noise: properly bedded pads are less likely to squeal.
- Better bite: the pad and rotor reach full grip sooner.
- Longer life: even contact means even wear on pads and rotors.
Skipping bed-in, or holding the pedal down on hot brakes, can leave uneven deposits that feel like a warped rotor.
Before You Start
- Make sure the pads, rotors and caliper are fitted correctly and all bolts are torqued.
- Pump the brake pedal until it feels firm before you move the car.
- Check the brake fluid level (Hawk Performance, 2026).
- Do not use badly worn or damaged rotors with new pads (Hawk Performance, 2026).
- If you reuse rotors that do not need resurfacing, clean off the old pad material first. Hawk suggests fine sandpaper or steel wool, then rinsing and drying (Hawk Performance, 2026).
- Choose a quiet, safe road with no traffic behind you.
How to Bed In New Brake Pads: Step by Step
This is Hawk Performance's published street-pad method. Many other brands use a similar pattern of moderate stops, a few harder stops and a full cool-down.
- Drive to a safe, empty road and check your mirrors.
- Make 6 to 10 stops from about 30 to 35 mph using moderate pressure (Hawk Performance, 2026). Slow down to a crawl rather than stopping completely if it is safe.
- Make 2 to 3 harder stops from about 40 to 45 mph (Hawk Performance, 2026).
- Drive gently for a few minutes with little braking to let the brakes cool.
- Park and do not hold the brake pedal. Use the parking brake only if needed for safety on a slope, and wait about 20 minutes until the rotors are cool (Hawk Performance, 2026).
- Drive normally for the next 200 miles and avoid extreme braking (Hawk Performance, 2026).
Bed-In Notes for Common Pad Types
| Pad | Bed-in note | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Akebono | Pre-burnished; no special procedure needed | Tire Rack, 2026 |
| Hawk street pads | 6-10 moderate stops, 2-3 hard stops, 15-minute cool-down | Hawk Performance, 2026 |
| Hawk racing pads | May need a different procedure | Tire Rack, 2026 |
| EBC Greenstuff | Brake-in coating works over the first 100 miles | Parts Avatar, 2026 |
| EBC Yellowstuff | Beds in naturally over 100 to 200 miles of street use | EBC Brakes, 2026 |
Read our reviews of Hawk HPS 5.0, EBC Greenstuff and Akebono ProACT for more on each pad.
Common Bed-In Mistakes
| Mistake | Result | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Holding the pedal at a stop with hot brakes | Pad imprint on the rotor, causing vibration | Roll slowly or release the pedal; let brakes cool |
| Skipping bed-in | Squeal, weak bite or judder | Follow the pad maker's procedure |
| Too many hard stops | Overheated, glazed pads | Build heat slowly and cool down fully |
| Dragging the brakes | Uneven heat and deposits | Make firm, separate stops |
| Track day on brand-new pads | Fade and uneven wear | Bed in and drive normally first |
What If My Brakes Still Judder After Bed-In?
If you feel a pulse in the pedal after bedding in, check these causes in order:
- Uneven pad deposits from holding the pedal on hot brakes. A fresh bed-in sometimes clears this.
- Rotor runout from rust on the hub face. Clean the hub with a brush such as the Lisle 13410 and check runout with a dial indicator.
- Uneven wheel nut torque. Re-torque in a star pattern with a torque wrench.
- Worn rotors below minimum thickness, which should be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bedding In Brake Pads
Do I need to bed in new brake pads?
Most pads benefit from it. Some, like Akebono, are pre-burnished and need no special procedure (Tire Rack, 2026).
How long does it take to bed in brake pads?
The stops take about 15 minutes, but full bed-in can take up to 200 miles of normal driving (Hawk Performance, 2026).
Should I bed in new rotors too?
Yes. Pads and rotors bed in together, so follow the procedure whenever you fit new pads or rotors.
Why should I not hold the brake pedal after bed-in stops?
Holding hot pads against the rotor can leave a pad imprint that causes vibration (Hawk Performance, 2026).
Can I bed in pads in the rain?
It is better on a dry road, where stops are predictable and safe.
What happens if I do not bed in my pads?
The pads may squeal, feel weak at first or leave uneven deposits that cause judder.
Summary: How to Bed In Brake Pads Safely
- Bedding in lays an even pad layer on the rotor for smooth, quiet stops.
- Make moderate stops, a few harder stops, then cool down fully.
- Never hold the pedal on hot brakes.
- Drive gently for the first 200 miles and follow your pad maker's instructions.
Need parts for your next job? See our DIY brake job tools checklist.
Safety note: only bed in brakes on a safe, empty road. If you are not sure how to do the job, have a qualified mechanic do it.