How many kilometers can you drive after the brake pad warning?
2 Answers
You should not continue driving after the brake pad warning, otherwise there is a risk of brake failure. When the brake pad warning starts, it means the thickness of the brake pad has worn down to the limit mark, indicating that the brake pad is completely worn out. Therefore, it is recommended to go to a repair shop immediately for replacement. Below is an extended introduction: Brake pad introduction: Brake pads are consumables that gradually wear out during use. When they wear down to the limit position, they must be replaced; otherwise, braking performance will decrease, posing a safety hazard in severe cases. Replacing brake pads: Generally, when the thickness of the brake pads is less than 3MM, they need to be replaced. If you continue to use them and the brake pads wear out completely, the metal part of the brake pads will start to wear the brake disc, leading to reduced braking force. In this case, both the brake pads and the brake disc will need to be replaced.
The brake warning light is definitely not something to ignore. I experienced this once when driving a friend's car on the highway. That little red light flashing was actually indicating the brake pads had worn down to the limit, with the metal backing exposed. In such cases, it's best to pull over and inspect immediately. My friend's car started making grinding noises after just 30+ kilometers of driving – if we'd stubbornly continued, the brake rotors could've gotten damaged. Mechanics always say you should head straight to the repair shop when the warning light comes on, because safety is no joke. When doing routine oil changes, remember to check the brake pad thickness regularly. Don't always wait for the warning light before rushing to get repairs done.
