How much longer can brake pads with 5mm thickness be used?
3 Answers
It is best not to continue driving with brake pads that are 5mm thick and to replace them promptly. Regularly check whether the brake pads and discs are thin; you can use a small flashlight for observation. If the black friction material of the brake pads is nearly worn out and the thickness is below 5mm, you should consider replacing them. Below are methods for self-inspecting brake pads: 1. Based on pad thickness: Measure the thickness of the brake pads. A new brake pad is approximately 1.5cm thick, with a wear limit of 0.3cm. When the brake pad thickness approaches or falls below 0.3cm, it must be replaced. 2. Feel the change in braking force: Another very intuitive method is to feel the change in braking force when pressing the brake pedal. If you always feel that it requires more effort to brake, or if the brakes are not as responsive as before, needing more force than usual to achieve the desired braking effect, it may be time to replace the brake pads. 3. Observe the warning light: When the brake pad wear warning light on the dashboard illuminates, it indicates that the brake pads need to be inspected and replaced.
Last time my car's brake pads were still 5mm thick, I estimated they could last about seven to eight thousand kilometers, but it all depends on driving habits—like frequent braking in city traffic wears them out faster, which is often the case for me, so I had to replace them within three months. Safety first, after all. New brake pads are roughly 10mm thick, and they should be replaced once worn down to below 3mm, otherwise, they might skid during emergency braking. By the way, here are some brake warning signs: if you hear a screeching sound when braking or the pedal sinks too quickly, get it checked immediately. Delaying repairs can damage the brake discs, which are more expensive to replace. Highway driving causes slower wear, so they might last longer, but I always check them regularly to avoid risks.
Generally speaking, a brake pad thickness of 5mm is still quite good. New cars usually have around 10mm. The lifespan depends on driving habits. For example, I drive a lot with frequent city stop-and-go traffic, which may wear them down to replacement level within a year. I recommend checking the thickness every 5,000 kilometers. From a safety perspective, immediate attention is required when experiencing longer braking distances or vibration. Related inspections include tire pressure imbalance which can accelerate wear. Additionally, extra caution is needed when braking on wet roads during rainy conditions, as this can help extend their service life.
