How Long Can You Drive When the Brake Pad Light Comes On?
3 Answers
The brake pad light coming on indicates you can drive approximately 100 kilometers further. When the warning light appears yellow, it means the vehicle's brake fluid is insufficient or the brake pads are excessively worn. If the warning light appears red, you should stop the vehicle immediately to avoid brake failure leading to an accident. The steps to replace car brake pads are: 1. Open the engine compartment and check if the brake fluid level is at the normal position to prevent overflow during the replacement process; 2. Use a jack to align with the support points under the car, raise it until the tire completely leaves the ground, then remove the tire; 3. Use a wrench with a socket to remove the bolts of the brake caliper, then directly take off the brake pads; 4. Push the brake piston back, install the new brake pads, and reassemble the original parts in reverse order of disassembly; 5. After installation, check the brake fluid level and firmly press the brake pedal several times to ensure the fluid level remains within the normal range.
I once kept driving even after the brake warning light came on. That time, stuck in city traffic, the brakes felt soft and I nearly rear-ended someone. The mechanic checked and said the brake pads were almost completely worn out, and continuing to drive could have ruined the brake discs too. Safety first - when the light comes on, it means the pads are at their wear limit and braking performance is significantly reduced, especially in rain or at highway speeds. I recommend slowing down immediately and heading to the nearest repair shop, not driving more than 10 km, ideally getting it fixed the same day. During regular maintenance, pay attention to brake pad thickness to avoid unexpected risks. Remember, that repair cost me over a thousand extra - definitely not worth delaying!
As an ordinary driver, I'm quite concerned about this situation. When the light comes on, you know the brake pads are about to fail. How far can you still drive? I think it depends on road conditions. For short trips in the city, you might manage a few kilometers, but don't risk long-distance driving. Brake failure can lead to accident risks—I once experienced ineffective emergency braking at a traffic light. It's safer to slow down immediately and drive slowly to a repair shop for inspection. Also, listen for brake noises; if the screeching is loud, it indicates more severe wear. Don't forget that replacement costs are not high, just a few hundred bucks, so don't push your luck by driving too far. Safety is no trivial matter.
