How often should the brake pads on a Highlander be replaced?

[CourtneyLee]

The brake friction pads and brakes of the Highlander should be inspected every 20,000 kilometers. If braking is frequently required (such as when going down long slopes), the replacement interval should be shortened. Additional information: During routine inspections and maintenance, special attention should be paid to the following aspects: 1. Do not wait until the friction material is completely worn out before replacing the brake pads; they should be replaced once they reach their limit. 2. It is best to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brake pads for replacement to ensure quality and braking performance. 3. When replacing brake pads, always use specialized tools to retract the brake caliper pistons. Avoid using pry bars or other tools to force them back, as this may cause uneven pressure distribution. 4. After replacing the brake pads, be sure to pump the brakes several times to eliminate the gap between the pads and the brake discs. 5. Newly replaced brake pads require a break-in period of approximately 200 kilometers to achieve optimal braking performance. Drive cautiously during this period.

[Ruiz]

Speaking from my eight years of driving experience with the Highlander, brake pad replacement depends on your driving habits and environment. If you frequently encounter stop-and-go traffic in the city and use the brakes often, you might need to check them every 20,000 kilometers as they wear out faster. On the other hand, if you mostly drive on highways, they might last up to 50,000-60,000 kilometers. I recommend having a mechanic measure the remaining thickness with a thickness gauge during regular maintenance—new pads are usually over 10 mm, and they should be replaced when they go below 2 mm. Don’t wait until you hear strange noises or feel reduced braking performance; safety comes first! Also, the material of the brake pads matters—OEM ceramic pads last longer but are more expensive, while metallic ones are cheaper but wear out faster. Remember to check around the tires and rims every six months for abnormal wear or metal shavings to catch issues early.

[SanGia]

My Highlander has been in use for over four years now. Ever since I bought it, I've made it a habit to replace the brake pads every two years or around 30,000 kilometers. Since I often drive my kids to and from school, frequent sudden braking or uphill driving takes a toll on the brakes. I remember two years ago when I forgot to replace them on time—during a rainy day, I almost rear-ended another car because the braking distance had noticeably increased. That scared me into heading straight to the shop. The mechanic measured the pads and said there was only 3mm left, which meant they needed replacing according to standards. They also recommended checking the brake fluid and the coordination between the pads and discs during every maintenance visit. I think the most crucial thing is to consider your driving habits: if you do a lot of highway driving, you might extend the interval a bit; if you're mostly in the city with lots of traffic lights, you should shorten it. Pay attention to how the brake pedal feels when you press it—if it feels sluggish, take action early. Don’t skimp on this small expense!

[MacKatherine]

I just learned to drive and started using a Highlander last year. My instructor taught me that judging when to replace brake pads is up to the driver. It mainly depends on thickness—I once used a small flashlight to check the remaining pad thickness through the wheel hub. New pads are about 1 cm thick, and they need replacement once worn down to below 3 mm. Generally, they last between 30,000 to 70,000 kilometers. I check them every quarter to avoid issues. Driving habits matter a lot—sudden acceleration and hard braking wear pads quickly. If you do a lot of city driving, you should replace them earlier. Also, check the brake disc wear to ensure compatibility, or you might end up replacing pads early while the disc gets damaged too.