How many kilometers should brake pads be replaced?
4 Answers
Brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are critical safety components in a car's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking performance is decisively determined by the brake pads. Brake pads are generally composed of a steel plate, an adhesive heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, and the coating process is monitored using an SMT4 furnace temperature tracker to ensure the temperature distribution during the coating process meets quality standards. The heat insulation layer is made of non-heat-conductive materials to provide thermal insulation. The friction block consists of friction materials and adhesives, which are pressed against the brake disc or drum during braking to generate friction, thereby achieving the purpose of slowing down or stopping the vehicle.
I've been driving for twenty years, and there's no fixed mileage for brake pad replacement—it mainly depends on driving habits and road conditions. In city traffic with frequent braking due to congestion, they wear out faster, needing replacement every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. If you drive mostly on highways with less braking, they can last up to 70,000 kilometers. The key is regular wear checks—I visually inspect the brake pad thickness monthly. The standard is to replace them if they're thinner than 3mm or if the wear indicator makes a metal-on-metal sound. Replacing them too late affects braking performance, increases stopping distance, and becomes extremely dangerous in rain or emergencies. During maintenance, it's best to have a technician measure the thickness with professional tools. Opt for reputable brand brake pads for better durability—don’t cut corners to save small costs and risk bigger problems.
I usually drive gently and rarely brake hard, so my brake pads typically last between 50,000 to 70,000 kilometers before needing replacement. This is based on repair shop recommendations, but it's best to consider actual conditions: frequent mountain driving or heavy loads can wear them faster, possibly requiring replacement at 40,000 kilometers; conversely, city commuting with less braking may extend their life to 80,000 kilometers. Checking is simple—just take a moment during parking to inspect the thickness of the rear brake pads; replace them if they're thin. Don't wait until they're completely worn out, as that can damage the brake discs and lead to higher repair costs. Make it a habit to glance at them during each refueling or ask the technician to check during annual inspections.
Brake pad lifespan is crucial for safety, recommended to inspect every 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Excessive wear weakens braking power, posing high risks during sharp turns or rear-end collisions. I never neglect replacement even without highway driving, typically deciding based on driving frequency: high-mileage city driving requires replacement every 40,000 km, while low-mileage suburban driving allows longer intervals. Regularly check wear marks – replace immediately if thickness falls below safety line. Prevention is better than cure!
