At what level of wear should car brake pads be replaced?
4 Answers
Car brake pads should be replaced when worn down to less than 3 millimeters. Brake pads, also known as brake shoes or brake linings, are small in size but serve as crucial wearable components in the active safety system. As consumable parts, brake pads gradually wear during use and must be replaced when reaching their wear limit position, otherwise braking effectiveness will be reduced, potentially creating safety hazards. When brake pads reach their wear limit, the warning indicator will contact the brake disc, producing continuous alert noises. When the brake pad thickness approaches this indicator, vehicle owners should prepare to replace them promptly. There's no strict replacement interval for brake pads as it depends on driving conditions and habits, but generally replacement should be considered after approximately 60,000 kilometers of driving, with subsequent inspections every 3,000 kilometers.
I remember driving for over a decade, and brake pad wear and replacement is a big deal. Generally speaking, when the thickness of the brake pads drops to around 3 millimeters, it's time to replace them. I've seen pads that were worn too thin—they start making screeching noises or trigger warning lights. If you delay further, you might end up damaging the brake rotors too, doubling the repair costs. I usually check them every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers, especially during the rainy season when frequent braking accelerates wear. Once, my car shook violently when braking, and upon inspection, the pads were down to just 2 millimeters. Thankfully, I replaced them in time—otherwise, it would have posed a serious safety risk on the highway. My advice: don’t wait for problems to arise. Find a reliable shop or do a simple DIY visual check—it saves both hassle and money.
I mainly drive for commuting to and from work, so I pay a lot of attention to brake pads because they're related to safety. At what level of wear should they be replaced? From my own experience, when the thickness is below 3mm, it's time to take action. Otherwise, the braking performance deteriorates, and the stopping distance increases, which is very dangerous. My car is an ordinary sedan, and I usually check every six months. If the pads are too thin, they'll make noise, or the metal part may come into contact with the disc. If you're too lazy to check yourself, just go to a repair shop where the mechanic can measure the thickness accurately with a tool. If not replaced in time, the brake disc can also be damaged, increasing repair costs. That's why I always take preventive measures, especially since frequent braking in traffic jams during commutes wears them out quickly.
As a novice driver, I initially had no concept of brake pads, but later learned the key points. When the thickness wears down below 3mm, it's essential to replace them, as they become unsafe like worn-out shoe soles. My car once made squeaking noises when braking, which was a clear warning sign. Regular inspections are crucial—simply checking the pad thickness or listening for sounds monthly can prevent prolonged damage to the rotors. New drivers can benefit from consulting experienced drivers or manuals to develop good habits for peace of mind.
