Can You Drive When the Car Brake Pads Are Worn Out?
2 Answers
You cannot drive when the car brake pads are worn out. Brake pads refer to the friction materials fixed on the brake drum or brake disc that rotates with the wheels. The friction linings and friction blocks in the brake pads bear external pressure and generate friction to achieve the purpose of vehicle deceleration. The types of car brake pads include: 1. Semi-metallic brake pads; 2. Non-metallic brake pads; 3. Carbon fiber brake pads; 4. Ceramic fiber brake pads. The method to replace car brake pads is: 1. Lift the car and remove the tire; 2. Unscrew the fixing screws on the brake caliper and remove the brake caliper; 3. Remove the old brake pads and push back the brake caliper piston; 4. Clean the installation bracket of the brake disc and install the new brake pads.
As someone who drives long-term, I believe driving with worn-out brake pads is absolutely unacceptable—it can be deadly! When the brake pads are completely worn down, stepping on the brake pedal might have little to no effect, making it impossible to stop the car. This is extremely dangerous on highways or during turns, with the risk of a crash at any moment. I’ve seen many accidents caused by brake failure, and the scenes were horrifying. When driving normally, pay attention to unusual noises when braking or if the dashboard warning light comes on—get the pads replaced immediately. Nowadays, brake pads are of good quality, and regular inspections and replacements aren’t expensive, costing around 200 yuan per maintenance session. Don’t push your luck to save money or out of laziness—if an accident happens, the repair costs plus potential life insurance payouts make it totally not worth it. Safety comes first. Make it a habit to check the brake pad thickness every time you wash your car, and replace them if they’re too thin. Remember, a car that can move is good, but one that can stop is what keeps you alive.
