How Long Can You Drive Without Brake Pads?
4 Answers
You should stop driving immediately if your brake pads are worn out and need to replace them with new ones. Below is an introduction to vehicle maintenance: 1. Brake Pads: If the brake pads are worn, continuing to drive is extremely dangerous. Once the brake pads are completely worn out, each time you press the brake pedal, it may also damage the brake discs. 2. Brake Pad Thickness and Brake Discs: During regular maintenance, always check the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the brake discs. If the brake pads are too thin, they should be replaced promptly. Generally, the front brake pads wear out faster than the rear ones. 3. Brake Fluid: Brake fluid should also be checked regularly. Brake fluid is highly prone to absorbing moisture. If the water content in the brake fluid reaches 3%, it is recommended to replace it immediately. It is advisable to measure the moisture content of the brake fluid during every maintenance session. If you live in a humid area, the brake fluid is more likely to absorb moisture and deteriorate. 4. Changing Brake Fluid: When replacing brake fluid, it is best to go to a 4S shop. Some small repair shops may not fully bleed the air from the brake system lines after changing the brake fluid, which can reduce braking force and increase stopping distance. 5. Purchasing Brake Pads: When buying brake pads, it is also best to purchase them from a 4S shop, as some repair shops may sell counterfeit or substandard products. If you feel that the original brake pads do not provide sufficient braking force, you can opt for higher-quality brake pads, which will significantly improve braking performance.
If the brake pads are completely gone, you absolutely should not drive anymore, because the brakes will fail immediately, meaning you won't be able to control the car when you need to stop. How do I know this? The braking system relies on the friction between the brake pads and the rotors to slow down the car; without them, metal grinds against metal, not only making the brakes ineffective but also damaging the rotors, leading to more expensive repairs. In emergencies, some people might manage to move the car a few dozen meters at low speed to a safe spot, but the risk is huge—one wrong move and you could have an accident. It's recommended to regularly check the thickness of your brake pads; if you hear squeaking or see a warning light on the dashboard, replace them immediately. Safety first—don't take the risk of driving without them.
Last time I heard a friend say he kept driving with worn-out brake pads, and almost rear-ended someone at an intersection, which scared him badly. From that incident, it's clear you shouldn't drive far at all without brake pads—brake failure at high speeds is way too dangerous. Even driving slowly for a few hundred meters to reach a repair shop could damage the brake discs, adding hundreds in repair costs. The lesson I learned is to maintain the brake system promptly; when the pads are gone, you should stop and call a tow truck. Pay attention to unusual vibrations or noises when braking—addressing issues early brings peace of mind.
Hey buddy, driving without brake pads is terrifying and totally unsafe. I once tried inching my car into the garage - moving a few dozen meters was manageable, but hitting the road is absolutely out of the question. The car won't stop properly, and crashing into anything would be disastrous. When you hear unusual noises from the brakes during normal driving, it's time for an inspection. If the pads are completely gone, call a tow truck immediately - don't risk major damage to save minor costs. Damaged brake discs are extremely expensive to repair, making the whole situation not worth the risk. Simply put, safety comes first - not driving at all is the most reliable solution.
