How many kilometers should a car drive before replacing the brake pads?
3 Answers
Generally, brake pads should be replaced after driving about 50,000 kilometers. However, the wear and tear on brake pads vary depending on the vehicle's usage, so the replacement time may differ. Whether the brake pads need replacement can be judged by their thickness, sound, and pedal feel: 1. Thickness: If the thickness of the brake pads is less than 6mm, they should be replaced; 2. Sound: If the car frequently makes abnormal noises when braking, it indicates severe wear and the need for replacement; 3. Pedal feel: When the brake pads are severely worn, their braking force decreases, resulting in a weak response when pressing the brake pedal, signaling the need for immediate replacement. It is recommended to inspect and maintain the brake pads every 20,000 kilometers. Avoid sudden braking and stopping during daily driving to prevent accelerated wear, and avoid water immersion to prevent corrosion of the brake pads.
How many kilometers does a car need to drive before replacing brake pads? There's really no standard answer to this question, as there are too many influencing factors. Based on my years of driving experience, I generally recommend checking them every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. However, it actually depends on your driving habits: those who frequently brake hard might need replacements at 20,000 kilometers, while smooth drivers can last over 60,000 kilometers. Wear accelerates when the car is heavily loaded or driven in urban stop-and-go traffic. During every maintenance check, I ask the mechanic to measure the brake pad thickness; if it's below 3 millimeters, it's time for a replacement. Ignoring this could damage the brake discs, leading to higher repair costs and increased safety risks. So don't just focus on the mileage; learning to spot early warning signs like brake noise or vibration is key.
Speaking of changing brake pads, I feel it's largely driven by personal experience. My car had its first replacement just over 40,000 kilometers, and the second was delayed until 55,000. The key lies in driving habits: if you frequently brake and accelerate sharply, wear will naturally be faster; I'm accustomed to anticipating and slowing down gradually, so they last longer. Environmental factors also play a significant role—rainy or muddy conditions can accelerate corrosion. I recommend checking your brake pads quarterly or during routine maintenance; excessively worn pads not only compromise safety but also increase fuel consumption. Remember to monitor them regularly—don't wait for an accident to regret negligence.
