How many kilometers should car brake pads generally be replaced?
2 Answers
Car brake pads generally need to be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers, but this may vary depending on different driving habits. Brake pads usually have warning indicators. When the brake pads wear to their limit, the warning indicators will come into contact with the brake discs, producing sharp metal friction sounds. At this point, it is essential to replace the brake pads promptly to avoid scratching the brake discs and potential brake failure. Methods to determine if brake pads need replacement: Method 1: Check the thickness. Typically, a new set of brake pads is about 1.5 cm thick. When the visible thickness of the brake pads is less than 0.5 cm, they need to be replaced. Each brake pad also has a raised indicator on both sides, which is about 2-3 mm thick. This is the minimum replacement limit for the brake discs. If the brake pad thickness is level with this indicator, replacement is mandatory. Method 2: Listen for sounds. If there is abnormal noise when lightly applying the brakes, the brake pads must be replaced immediately. This indicates that the warning indicators on both sides of the brake pads are directly rubbing against the brake discs, showing that the brake pads have exceeded their limit. Hazards of not replacing brake pads on time: Long-term failure to replace brake pads can reduce braking force, leading to air resistance in the brake lines, which affects braking performance. Additionally, it may corrode the brake lines, causing damage to the internal valves of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) hydraulic assembly, severely impacting the transmission response of the braking system.
When it comes to brake pad replacement, I think everyone's biggest concern is safety. Having driven for so many years, I've seen quite a few friends get into accidents due to brake issues, so I take this very seriously. The general recommendation is to inspect them every 30,000 to 70,000 kilometers, and replace them if the thickness wears down below 3mm. But this isn't absolute—it really depends on your driving habits. For someone like me who frequently drives in city traffic with lots of braking, I usually need to replace them by 40,000 kilometers. If you mostly drive on highways and use the brakes less, you might stretch it to 70,000 kilometers. Also, the vehicle type matters—smaller cars might have more durable pads, while heavier SUVs wear them out faster. I suggest having a technician check your brake system during every six-month maintenance. You can also listen for sounds yourself—if you hear squeaking or the pedal feels spongy, get it fixed immediately. Don't skimp on the cost—replacing brake pads only costs a few hundred bucks, but safety is priceless. If something goes wrong, regret won't help.
