A method for providing an estimate of brake pad thickness. The method
employs fusion of sensors, if used, and driver brake modeling to predict
the vehicle brake pad life. An algorithm is employed that uses various
inputs, such as brake pad friction material properties, brake pad cooling
rate, brake temperature, vehicle mass, road grade, weight distribution,
brake pressure, brake energy, braking power, etc. to provide the
estimation. The method calculates brake work using total work minus
losses, such as aerodynamic drag resistance, engine braking and/or
braking power as braking torque times velocity divided by rolling
resistance to determine the brake rotor and lining temperature. The
method then uses the brake temperature to determine the brake pad wear,
where the wear is accumulated for each braking event. A brake pad sensor
can be included to provide one or more indications of brake pad thickness
from which the estimation can be revised.