Do Brake Pads Need to Be Replaced at 40,000 Kilometers?
3 Answers
Whether brake pads need to be replaced at 40,000 kilometers depends on their wear condition. Generally, replacement is not recommended unless the wear is severe. Judging Brake Pads by Thickness: New brake pads are typically about 1.5 cm thick. If they wear down to one-third of their original thickness, or less than 5 mm, it is advisable to replace them promptly. Judging Brake Pads by Sound: If a metallic scraping noise is heard during braking, it may indicate that the brake pads have worn down to their minimum thickness. The wear indicators on the sides of the pads may be rubbing against the brake disc, producing the noise, which means the pads need immediate replacement. Judging Brake Pads by Warning Indicators: Some vehicle models are equipped with brake wear indicators. If the brake pads are excessively worn, the sensor wire may come into contact with the brake disc, causing a change in resistance and generating an electrical current. This triggers a signal, and a brake pad warning light will illuminate on the dashboard.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I'm telling you that whether brake pads need replacement at 40,000 km really depends on your driving habits and inspection results. I've seen some vehicles with plenty of pad material left even after 50,000 km, while some city drivers in congested areas replace them at 30,000 km. Frequent hard braking, hilly terrain, or towing heavy loads accelerate wear; smooth highway driving causes less wear. I recommend measuring thickness with calipers during each maintenance - new pads are typically around 10mm, and replacement is due when worn down to 3mm. Neglecting inspection can damage brake rotors, leading to costlier repairs. Never compromise on safety - have professionals check periodically. It's affordable and gives peace of mind. Bottom line: don't just rely on mileage, physically check the wear condition for the most reliable assessment.
I'm a newbie who just bought a car. Last year, my car had just hit 40,000 kilometers, and I asked the mechanic at the 4S shop about the brake pads during maintenance. They said that according to standards, many cars can last over 60,000 kilometers, but it depends on actual conditions. I learned a simple way to check: lightly press the brakes to listen for any metallic squeaking sounds, which are a sign of wear; or if you notice the braking distance getting longer while driving, it's time to pay attention. If you commute in the city with frequent traffic jams, the wear can be faster. For example, since I squeeze through rush hour every day for work, the mechanic said 40,000 kilometers might indeed require replacement. Other factors include frequent driving in mountainous areas or on slippery roads. It's recommended to take some time to measure the thickness at a repair shop—don't skip this step. Regular maintenance combined with personal attention can help avoid accidents on the road.
