Can You Drive Without Brake Pads?
2 Answers
Driving without brake pads should be avoided, and new brake pads should be replaced immediately. Here is relevant information: If the brake pads are completely worn out, continuing to drive is extremely dangerous. After the brake pads are worn out, each time you press the brake pedal, it may also cause damage to the brake discs. Car braking system precautions: 1. During routine maintenance, always check the thickness of the brake pads and brake discs. If the brake pads are too thin, they should be replaced promptly. Generally, the front brake pads wear faster than the rear ones. 2. Brake fluid should also be checked regularly. Brake fluid is a liquid that easily absorbs moisture. If the water content in the brake fluid reaches 3%, it should be replaced immediately. Measure the water content of the brake fluid during each maintenance. If you live in a humid area, the brake fluid is more prone to absorbing moisture and deteriorating. 3. When replacing brake fluid, it is best to go to a 4S shop. Some small repair shops may not fully remove air from the brake system lines after replacing the brake fluid, which can reduce braking force, increase stopping distance, and affect driving safety. 4. When purchasing brake pads, it is also best to buy them from a 4S shop. Some repair shops may sell counterfeit or substandard brake pads. If you feel that the original brake pads do not provide enough braking force, you can purchase higher-quality brake pads to significantly improve braking performance.
Absolutely must not drive! With no brake pads left, the entire braking system is essentially useless—just like riding a bike with no brakes, heading straight into a wall at high speed. I've seen too many tragedies while working as a mechanic. Once you start moving, pressing the brake pedal feels like stepping on air—completely ineffective—and you might hear metal grinding against metal with a screech, but the car won’t stop. This is especially dangerous on highways or in curves, where you have zero control. You must pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and turn on the hazard lights—never force it to keep moving. Call for a tow truck to take it to a professional shop for new brake pads, or ask a friend to help deliver the parts. Make it a habit to check your brake pad thickness every six months; if it’s below 2mm, replace them immediately. Don’t risk your life to save a few hundred bucks.
