How Long Can You Drive After the Brake Pad Warning Light Comes On?
2 Answers
Brake pad warning usually allows for an additional 300-500 kilometers of driving without issues. However, brake pads should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid damaging the brake discs, which would be more costly. Below is additional information: 1. Brake pad warning: This typically occurs when the front brake pads are nearing their wear limit, alerting the owner to replace them. The warning is triggered when the wear indicator on the brake pad is worn through, at which point the brake pad still has a small amount of thickness remaining. 2. There is no fixed replacement interval for brake pads: The need for replacement should be determined based on actual wear. If a maintenance worker suggests replacing the brake pads without inspection, this is highly irresponsible. Most people replace their brake pads every 30,000 to 80,000 kilometers, which is a fairly wide range.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and when the brake pad warning light comes on, you must never take it lightly. This means the brake pads have worn down to a very thin layer, and continuing to drive poses significant risks. Firstly, the braking distance will increase considerably, making it difficult to stop in an emergency and increasing the likelihood of an accident. Secondly, driving further could cause the brake discs to be directly rubbed, greatly increasing the chance of damage and doubling the repair costs. From experience, on flat city roads for short commutes, you might manage about 50 kilometers, but every time you hit the brakes, you're accelerating the problem. I recommend immediately slowing down and driving to a professional repair shop for inspection—don't delay for convenience. After the warning, braking efficiency can drop by up to 30%, especially in rainy conditions or on downhill stretches, where the risk of accidents rises sharply. The inspection is simple; a mechanic can use a thickness gauge to determine if replacement is needed. Safety should always come first—don't gamble with your life.
