How Often Should Drum Brake Pads Be Replaced?
2 Answers
For the front wheels, it's typically around 30,000 kilometers, and for the rear wheels, it's about 60,000 kilometers. However, the exact timing depends on the driver's habits and the vehicle's driving conditions. The most accurate method is to check the thickness of the brake pads. If the brake pad thickness is less than 3 millimeters, replacement is necessary. Here are some relevant details: 1. Under normal conditions, the service life of front brake pads is about 30,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads last around 60,000 kilometers. Since each vehicle's mileage varies, the wear on the brake pads will differ accordingly; 2. When brake pads become too thin, their effectiveness significantly decreases. During inspection, note that new brake pads are usually about 1.5 cm thick. If the brake pads wear down to approximately 0.3 cm, they should be replaced promptly.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have driven many older cars with drum brakes. I don't think there's an absolutely fixed time for replacing brake pads. Generally, you should have them checked every 20,000 kilometers or so. I've found that in city traffic with frequent braking, the wear is particularly fast, and you might need to replace them before reaching 30,000 kilometers. If you do more highway driving with less braking, they might last up to 40,000 kilometers. I've also noticed that if you frequently carry heavy loads or drive on muddy roads, the wear accelerates. During regular maintenance, I always ask the mechanic to listen for any squeaking or unusual noises, as those are signals for replacement. Years ago, I tried to save money by delaying a replacement once, and the brakes suddenly became weak—I almost rear-ended someone. Since then, I've strictly adhered to regular checks, spending a little money to ensure greater safety.
