Burnishing Pads and Rotors

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Break in, or burnish, the new braking surfaces under the following conditions:

After you replace the pads
After you replace the rotors
After you refinish the rotors

CAUTION: Road test a vehicle under safe conditions and while obeying all traffic laws. Do not attempt any maneuvers that could jeopardize vehicle control. Failure to adhere to these precautions could lead to serious personal injury and vehicle damage.

Select a smooth road with little or no traffic.
Accelerate the vehicle to 48 km/h (30 mph).

IMPORTANT: Do not lock the brakes.

Using moderate to firm pressure, apply the brakes in order to bring the vehicle to a stop.

IMPORTANT: Do not overheat the brakes.

Accelerate the vehicle and allow the brakes to cool.
Make approximately 20 stops in order to burnish the pads and the rotors.