Why the Burnishing (Bedding-In/Break-In) Process is Important with New Electric Brakes

Updated 11/17/2025 | Published 12/26/2024

Question:

Brakes Burnishing process. Do I really need to do this or I just can drive carefully and let the burnishing process happen slowly as I normally drive and brake? I am a little afraid of burning the brakes and drum.

asked by: Javier

Expert Reply:

Hello Javier,

As I would love to make your life easier and tell you it is not necessary, I cannot do so. Brake Burnishing (bedding-in, or break-in) should be done for the following reasons:

- Achieve Maximum Performance: Burnishing evenly transfers a layer of friction material from the brake shoes onto the drums, which is critical for achieving consistent braking performance.

- Reduces noise and vibration.

- Increases the life of the brakes: By properly breaking them in will help with uneven wear on your brakes and your drums. With the price of drums you don't want to be changing them out every time you change your brakes. We want to keep as much money in your pocket as possible.

- Can cause glazing: If you break them in slowly it can cause a glazing (a smooth, glass-like surface) to form on your brake shoes, reducing braking effectiveness.

I understand being afraid of "burning" the brakes, but it is a process that must be done, not just to prolong the life of your drums and brakes, but it will make the brakes as safe as possible. I have included a help article, please check out Step 4. It will explain the "Break-in" process.

Happy New Year! May 2025 be your best year yet! From, your friends here at etrailer.

expert reply by: Kate F

Kate F.

11/17/2025

Hi Javier, how did the brake burnishing process go with your trailer brakes? Did following the steps from the article make the process feel smoother and give you more confidence in the results? Your update could make it easier for others who are nervous about doing this step.