How Often Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Here is an introduction about how often brake pads should be replaced: 1. Generally, the brake pads of a sedan can be replaced after the vehicle has traveled approximately 50,000 kilometers. Of course, the wear on the brake pads varies depending on the vehicle's usage, so the replacement time may differ. 2. Thickness: The normal thickness of brake pads is about 10mm. If it is below 6mm, they should be replaced. 3. Sound: If the car frequently makes abnormal noises when braking, it indicates severe wear on the brake pads, and they should be replaced. 4. Pedal Feel: When the brake pads are severely worn, their braking power decreases, resulting in a weak response when pressing the brake pedal. At this point, the brake pads should be replaced promptly.
As a seasoned driver who has cherished my car for over a decade, I genuinely believe brake pad replacement is a matter of life and death—never to be taken lightly. While the general recommendation is to replace them every 30,000 to 70,000 kilometers, don’t rigidly fixate on the numbers: my experience shows that frequent braking in city traffic may require replacement as early as 30,000 km, whereas long-distance highway cruising could stretch it to 70,000 km. Why such emphasis? Simple—worn brake pads increase stopping distance, raising the risk of rear-end collisions during high-speed emergencies, especially on slippery rainy roads. Pay attention to unusual noises or vibrations when braking—these are early wear warnings. I recommend a quick monthly check of remaining pad thickness—just shine a flashlight at the wheels. Never cut corners with cheap, inferior pads; reputable brands, though pricier, offer reliability, durability, and protection for your brake rotors, preventing costlier repairs. Regular professional maintenance checks provide peace of mind—after all, safety is never trivial.
