How often should front brake pads be replaced?
3 Answers
The replacement interval for front brake pads is 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers or 3 to 4 years. Precautions for replacing brake pads are as follows: After installing new brake pads, the surface of the pads will be flat while the contact surface on the brake disc will be uneven, which may result in so-called "ineffective braking". Therefore, new brake pads must undergo a break-in period. Find a location with good road conditions and minimal traffic for the break-in process. Accelerate to 60 km/h, then gently apply the brakes with moderate force to reduce speed to 10 km/h. Release the brakes and drive several kilometers to allow the brake pads to cool slightly before repeating the above steps at least 10 times. The broken-in brake pads still require several hundred kilometers of driving to achieve optimal performance with the brake discs. During this period, drive carefully to prevent accidents.
I often drive for city commuting and have noticed that the lifespan of front brake pads depends on driving habits. If you frequently brake hard or constantly start and stop in traffic jams, they wear out faster and may need replacement every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. In contrast, driving mostly on highways can extend their life to over 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Additionally, the material of the brake pads makes a big difference—ceramic ones are more expensive but durable, while metallic ones are cheaper but wear out faster. Once, I neglected to check them, which led to soft brakes and nearly caused an accident. So now, I have the shop check the thickness every six months, and they should be replaced when they’re down to 3 mm. Remember, timely replacement of brake pads not only protects the overall braking system but also ensures safe driving, especially in rainy or foggy conditions with poor visibility.
As a parent, I drive a family car to pick up and drop off my kids at school. The replacement of front brake pads depends on driving frequency. For short trips of a few hundred kilometers per week, it's generally recommended to start checking if they need replacement around 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. Safety comes first—don't wait until you hear strange noises from the brakes or the pedal feels loose before taking action. During regular maintenance, I always measure the brake pad thickness and replace them immediately if they're below 4 mm. The driving environment also matters—frequent braking on hilly terrain increases wear, requiring more frequent replacements. Never compromise safety to save money, as brake failure can lead to serious accidents and disrupt the whole family's travel plans.
