How many kilometers does a car need to drive to replace the brake pads?
2 Answers
Car brake pads need to be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Brake pads are a wear-prone part of the braking system. As the car's mileage increases, the brake pads will continuously wear down. When the brake pads wear to a certain extent, they need to be replaced; otherwise, it will affect the car's braking distance and driving safety. Methods to determine when brake pads need replacement: Check the thickness. New brake pads are 15mm thick. If they are down to one-third of their original thickness, around 5mm, they need to be replaced. As the mileage increases, the brake pads will become thinner, and the braking effect will deteriorate. If you hear a metallic friction sound while driving, it indicates an issue with the brake pads, and they should be checked as soon as possible. If you feel that the brake pedal requires more effort when braking, it means the brake pads are about to fail and need replacement. Steps and precautions for replacing brake pads: First, remove the wheel and reset the brake caliper. It's best to use specialized tools; if not available, a screwdriver can be used. Then, remove the caliper fixing bolts, take out the old brake pads, install the new ones, reinstall and tighten the caliper fixing bolts, and finally reinstall the wheel. After all brake pads are replaced, start the vehicle and press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
There's no fixed rule for this. Based on my experience driving for Didi in the city, most cars need attention to front brake pads between 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Long-distance passenger trips are easier on them, but frequent braking during rush hour traffic jams wears them out faster. Just last week, I checked a friend's car - he often delivers goods in mountainous areas and his pads were nearly gone at just over 30,000 km. When inspecting, check the thickness - new pads are about 1cm thick and need replacement when worn down to 2mm. Never ignore the dashboard warning light or squeaking sounds, as delaying could damage the rotors and cost more to repair. I recommend checking brake pads every 5,000 km, especially for city drivers.
