How to Check Brake Pad Thickness?
3 Answers
Methods to check brake pad thickness are as follows: 1. The standard thickness is generally around 1.5cm. As the car is used and braking operations are performed, the thickness will decrease due to friction. The critical thickness for brake pads is generally around 2-3mm. If the brake pad thickness is less than 3mm, it must be replaced. 2. You can visually inspect the brake pads. For some cars, you can see the brake pads through the wheel hub gaps. If the brake pads have worn down to one-third of the standard thickness, it is recommended to replace them. However, due to the wheel hub design of some models, it can be difficult to check the brake pad thickness without removing the tires, which is quite troublesome. 3. Some models will display a warning light on the dashboard when the brake pads are too thin. There are also tools available to check brake pad thickness, which can provide a better view. 4. You can also judge by feel. If you notice that braking requires more effort, it might be due to insufficient brake pad thickness and reduced friction, necessitating timely replacement to avoid accidents. The replacement cycle for brake pads depends on driving conditions and habits. Generally, you should consider replacing them after driving around 40,000 kilometers. If visual inspection shows that the brake pads are thin or braking feels difficult, it is advisable to replace them promptly. It is best to have them checked and replaced at a professional repair shop.
I always check the brake pads myself, which I find quite convenient. First, park the car securely and engage the parking brake. Then, squat beside the wheel and use a flashlight to illuminate the inner side of the wheel hub. Most cars have a small inspection hole that allows you to visually check the thickness of the brake pads. New pads are usually about 10 to 12 millimeters thick, and if they're down to 3 millimeters or less, it's time to replace them. Don’t just check one side—wear can be uneven, so it’s best to rotate the wheel for a full inspection. Gentle driving habits, like avoiding sudden braking, can extend their lifespan. I make it a habit to check every six months, especially before seasonal changes—safety is no small matter, and this method is both hassle-free and cost-effective. Insufficient thickness can lead to longer braking distances and higher risks.
As someone who frequently uses a car, I pay close attention to brake inspections. The method is simple: find a quiet place to park and turn off the engine, grab a bright flashlight or phone light, squat down, and look through the wheel hub holes on the inner side of the tire. From there, you can visually check the remaining thickness of the brake pads. New pads are about 10 mm thick, and if they wear down to less than 3 mm, it's extremely dangerous and must be replaced immediately. If the lighting is poor and you can't see clearly, don't force it—it's best to drive to a repair shop and ask a mechanic to measure it with professional tools. It's very convenient to have them check it during regular maintenance. Insufficient thickness can affect the entire braking system, causing friction noises between the pads and discs, or even damaging the discs, leading to higher repair costs. Make it a habit to check twice a year for safety and practicality.
