How many kilometers should the brake pads of a Prado be replaced?
2 Answers
Generally speaking, the replacement interval for front brake pads is 30,000 kilometers, while the rear brake pads should be replaced every 60,000 kilometers. Visual Inspection Method: A new brake pad's thickness (excluding the steel backing plate) is typically around 15~20mm. When visual inspection shows that the brake pad thickness has reduced to approximately one-third of its original thickness (about 5mm), the owner should increase self-inspection frequency and prepare for replacement. Immediate replacement is usually required when the thickness is less than 3mm. Each brake pad has raised indicators on both sides, with a thickness of about 2-3mm, which represents the minimum replacement limit. If the brake pad thickness aligns with these indicators, replacement is mandatory. Many vehicle models now provide dashboard warnings when brake pads are too thin, making self-inspection more convenient. Listening for Sounds: If a metallic scraping sound (like iron rubbing against iron) occurs during light braking, the brake pads must be replaced immediately. This indicates that the brake pad's limit indicators are directly grinding against the brake disc, meaning the pads have exceeded their wear limit. In such cases, the brake disc should also be inspected during replacement. Often, the disc is already damaged when this sound appears, and simply replacing the brake pads may not eliminate the noise. Severe cases may require disc replacement.
After driving a Prado for many years, I feel the mileage for brake pad replacement depends on driving habits and road conditions. Manufacturers generally recommend inspection every 30,000 to 60,000 km, but this isn't a strict rule. For someone like me who mainly commutes in the city with smooth road conditions, brake wear is slower, and replacement might be needed only at 50,000 km. However, if you frequently drive on highways or often go off-road in mountainous areas, wear accelerates, and you might reach the limit at around 30,000 km. Once, I forgot to check, and the brake pads wore down to the metal, making the brakes sluggish—I almost rear-ended someone, but luckily I got it fixed in time. I suggest having the technician measure the brake pad thickness during every maintenance service; if it's less than 3 mm, it's time to replace them. The Prado's braking system is durable, but if you tow heavy loads or brake hard often, wear will be faster. Safety is paramount—don't skimp or delay to save money. Regular maintenance also prevents brake rotor damage, saving you from costly repairs.
