At what level of wear should brake pads be replaced?
2 Answers
Brake pads typically have a thickness of around 1.5cm. When visual inspection shows that the thickness has reduced to approximately one-third of the original (about 0.5cm), preparations for replacement should be made. Most brake pads come with wear indicators that produce audible signals when worn. Some are equipped with brake wear warning sensors that trigger dashboard alerts when reaching the wear limit. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are critical safety components in a vehicle's braking system, playing a decisive role in overall braking performance. Generally composed of a steel plate, adhesive heat insulation layer, and friction material, the steel plate undergoes anti-rust coating. The coating process employs SMT4 furnace temperature tracking instruments to monitor temperature distribution and ensure quality. The heat insulation layer consists of non-conductive materials designed to provide thermal insulation.
I've been driving for over a decade and seen my share of brake pad issues. Generally, they should be replaced when worn down to about 2mm - you can clearly see how thin they've become, or hear that squealing sound while driving, which means the little metal indicator is telling you not to delay. Once on a long trip, I heard that noise and found only 1.5mm left - nearly caused trouble. Ignoring it increases braking distance dramatically; in emergencies you simply can't stop in time - way too risky. I recommend checking them yourself every 10,000km or so, or getting a professional inspection. Replacement is simple and inexpensive - I make it a habit to do it every couple years to avoid bigger repairs on discs later. Safety first - never cut corners.