How Often Should Brake Pads and Brake Discs Be Replaced?

3 Answers
DelCarson
07/29/25 9:00am
Disc brake pads generally need to be replaced after the vehicle has traveled 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. The lifespan of brake discs is typically over 3 years or 100,000 kilometers. Four warning signs before brake failure: 1. Abnormal noises when braking: If a sharp and harsh metal friction sound is heard when applying the brakes while driving, there are two possible scenarios: it may be due to the brake pads wearing thin, causing the wear limit indicator to come into contact with the brake disc, indicating that the brake pads have reached their limit and need immediate replacement. Alternatively, the noise could be caused by foreign objects in the brake pads or rust on the brake discs. In most cases, pressing the brakes a few more times may alleviate the noise, but if it persists, a visit to the repair shop is necessary. 2. Soft brakes: If the brakes feel soft, the issue might lie in the brake lines or the brake master cylinder. First, press the brake pedal to check for any brake fluid leaks. If no external leaks are found, inspect the wheel cylinders or the master cylinder for faults. If the pedal height slightly increases and feels spongy after several presses, it indicates air has entered the brake lines. 3. Hard brakes: If the brake pedal is difficult to press, the problem could be with the brake booster pump or a damaged one-way valve in the vacuum reservoir. Regardless of the cause, if the brake pedal feels unusually high and stiff or lacks free travel, it is crucial to visit a repair station immediately. 4. Brake pull: Brake pull occurs when the vehicle veers to one side during braking, causing the steering wheel to noticeably pull in one direction. This is usually caused by uneven wear on the brake pads or issues with the brake calipers, resulting in uneven braking force on either side. Therefore, immediate inspection at a repair shop is required if this occurs.
Was this review help?
8
3
Share
NevaehDella
08/12/25 7:54am
I've driven quite a few cars. If you brake hard frequently, the brake pads wear out faster and may need replacement at around 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, while the rotors are more durable and usually last until 60,000 to 70,000 kilometers. However, those who drive smoothly can save some money, as their brake pads can last over 40,000 kilometers. In bad weather or when driving on mountain roads with heavy loads, the brake pads wear out more easily. I recommend checking around the wheels monthly for metal dust or squeaking sounds—early detection can prevent complete damage to the rotors and pads. During regular maintenance, have the technician measure the thickness; safety is the top priority.
Was this review help?
7
3
Share
Expand All
CharlesDella
10/06/25 3:04am
If you don't drive often and your routes are smooth, brake pads wear slower. Typically, check the thickness every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, and replace them when they're down to 3mm. Brake discs are more durable; wait until around 80,000 kilometers before considering replacement to avoid unnecessary expenses. I make it a habit to glance at the wheels for signs of abnormal wear during car washes—like sharp noises—and head to the shop promptly if needed. This approach prevents bigger issues and saves money. Frequent stops in city driving with many traffic lights can halve brake pad life, so developing simple maintenance habits is crucial.
Was this review help?
14
1
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What Causes a Large Amount of Engine Oil in the Spark Plug?

Spark plugs containing a large amount of engine oil are caused by a malfunctioning forced ventilation valve in the crankshaft case, cylinder wall scoring, or severe piston ring wear leading to oil leakage. How Spark Plugs Work: Under high voltage, the air between the center electrode and the side electrode of the spark plug rapidly ionizes, forming positively charged ions and negatively charged free electrons. When the voltage between the electrodes reaches a certain level, the number of ions and electrons in the gas increases like an avalanche, causing the air to lose its insulating properties and forming a discharge channel, resulting in a "breakdown" phenomenon. At this point, the gas becomes a luminous body, known as a "spark." Along with thermal expansion, a "crackling" sound is also produced. The temperature of this electric spark can reach as high as 2000-3000°C, sufficient to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Criteria for Determining Spark Plug Damage: Damaged spark plugs can exhibit the following symptoms: difficulty starting, reduced power, excessive exhaust emissions, and increased fuel consumption.
11
0
Share

What does the removal of the car ETC tag mean?

Car ETC tag removal means the ETC card cannot be used normally. The reasons for this phenomenon include: the owner's ETC device OBU may have loosened or fallen off, the owner removed the OBU device causing the anti-tamper button on the back to pop up, or the device is faulty. In this case, the owner needs to go to the ETC business office where the service was originally processed to reactivate the ETC before it can resume normal operation. The ETC installation process is as follows: After receiving the device, first check whether the ETC card and electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, the red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Label Invalid" or "Please Insert Card", indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield, ensuring the glass surface is smooth, clean and dry. Then peel off the OBU adhesive backing film and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly with fingers for 2-3 minutes to remove air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is properly inserted into the OBU device.
10
2
Share

What is the fuel consumption of the BMW X5?

The fuel consumption of the BMW X5 is 9.1-10L/100KM. The currently available BMW X5 models include the 2021 facelift xDrive30i M Sport Package, 2021 facelift xDrive30i X Design Package, 2022 xDrive30i M Sport Package, 2022 xDrive40i M Sport Package, and 2022 xDrive40i Premium M Sport Package. In the same class, the Audi Q7 2022 45TFSI quattro S line Sport has a combined fuel consumption of 8.8L/100KM, while the Discovery 2022 300PS S has a combined fuel consumption of 7.3L/100KM. Factors affecting vehicle fuel consumption: Driving habits: Aggressive driving behaviors such as sudden acceleration, frequent overtaking, and not easing off the throttle before red lights can increase fuel consumption. Vehicle characteristics: Vehicles with larger engine displacements generally consume more fuel than those with smaller displacements because larger engines typically produce more power and require more gasoline for combustion. Heavier vehicles also tend to have higher fuel consumption due to the greater driving torque needed to move the additional weight.
20
0
Share

What is the front suspension type of the Volkswagen Sagitar?

The front suspension type of the Volkswagen Sagitar is a MacPherson strut independent suspension. The MacPherson strut independent suspension combines the coil spring and shock absorber into one unit, which saves space in the suspension system. This allows for more flexibility in the car's engine compartment while also reducing the weight of the suspension. Naturally, this results in reduced inertia and faster response and rebound speeds. The Volkswagen Sagitar is a car launched by FAW-Volkswagen. Since its debut, it has showcased the essence of Volkswagen's German design with its smooth lines and dynamic proportions. With its exquisite craftsmanship, rigorous manufacturing, and leading technology, it has won the affection of users.
6
3
Share

How to Start an Audi Car with a Dead Battery?

Push-starting is the most familiar and effective emergency starting method, but it should only be used as a last resort and not frequently employed. This method can cause some damage to the engine and clutch, and it should be especially avoided for automatic transmission vehicles. To avoid being unable to charge a dead battery, Audi A6L owners should keep a set of jumper cables in their car, which can be purchased at most auto parts stores. This method works on the same principle as the first one, except that instead of pushing from behind, the car is pulled from the front. Of course, this method is also much less labor-intensive than the first one.
8
0
Share

Where is the first aid kit in the new Sagitar?

The new Sagitar does not come with a first aid kit. Generally, only high-end models with luxury configurations are equipped with first aid kits. If owners have a need, they can prepare their own first aid kit. The first aid kit is very compact and easy to place, requiring only a small space. It usually contains medical emergency supplies such as gauze. The new Sagitar is a joint venture A+ class sedan brand under FAW-Volkswagen. It features a six-ridge line diving front hood that matches the grille facade, combined with new LED headlights and front grille ambient lighting. The design includes a comet-style surrounding waistline, elastic surface design, a coupe-style C-pillar shape, and 18-inch two-tone wheels.
4
5
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.