How many kilometers should a car generally drive before replacing the brake pads?

[DelAthena]

Generally, the front brake pads of a car should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, while the rear brake pads should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The replacement intervals specified by different car manufacturers for various models are not entirely the same, and the specific replacement cycle should be based on the standard value required by the car manufacturer. Brake pads are usually composed of a steel plate, a bonded heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is painted to prevent rust, and the painting process is monitored by an SMT4 furnace temperature tracker to ensure the temperature distribution during the painting process and guarantee quality. The heat insulation layer is made of non-heat-conductive materials to provide insulation. The friction block consists of friction materials and adhesives. When braking, it is pressed against the brake disc or brake drum to generate friction, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicle deceleration and braking.

[KyleLynn]

I've worked in auto repair shops for over a decade, and found that the most frequently asked question is about brake pad replacement timing. Actually, there's no fixed mileage interval - it mainly depends on driving habits. For those who often drive in urban areas, replacement may be needed at 40,000-60,000 km due to frequent braking at traffic lights. Highway drivers might get 70,000-80,000 km out of their pads. Our inspection focuses on pad thickness - new pads are about 1 cm thick, and need replacement when worn down to below 3 mm. Once a customer ignored squealing brakes until we found the metal backing plate grinding against the rotor - that was truly dangerous. You can check your wheels occasionally - if they're covered in black metallic dust, that's a clear replacement signal.

[OElisa]

Once during maintenance, the technician mentioned that new drivers tend to wear out brake pads prematurely. When I first got my license, I had a habit of alternating between stepping on the gas and then the brakes, which led to replacing them once by 30,000 kilometers. Later, I learned to anticipate road conditions and control speed with gentle taps on the brakes—now at 50,000 kilometers, they still have more than half their thickness left. Friends who drive manual transmissions replace them even less frequently because they often use gear shifts to control speed. Experienced drivers also pay attention to signs like the brake pedal feeling softer or the steering wheel shaking, which indicate the brake pads are nearing the end of their life. City driving requires extra caution, especially during traffic jams when frequent partial braking raises temperatures and accelerates wear.

[DamianLynn]

Last time at the car enthusiasts' gathering, we talked about this. Xiao Li, who drives a European car, said his Passat only needed brake pad replacement at 60,000 kilometers, while Xiao Wang, the Civic owner with modified brakes, had to replace his second set at 35,000 kilometers. OEM brake pads last longer but offer average braking performance, whereas performance-oriented ceramic brake pads provide stable braking but are less durable and more expensive. New energy vehicles with auto start-stop systems actually save on brake wear since motor regeneration slows the car down. Remember, don't just rely on mileage; having the mechanic measure the thickness during each maintenance is the safest bet. Some cars now come with brake pad warning lights—don't push your luck when it lights up.