How to Check Brake Pad Thickness?
2 Answers
Brake pad thickness can be checked through the following methods: 1. Determine whether brake pads need replacement by thickness: A brand-new brake pad is generally about 1.5 inches thick. When visual inspection shows the brake pad thickness has reduced to only about 1/3 of the original (approximately 0.5 inches), frequent monitoring of thickness changes becomes necessary. 2. Determine whether brake pads need replacement by sound: When lightly applying brakes, if you hear sharp, screeching "squealing" sounds, it indicates the brake pad thickness has worn below the limit markers on both sides, causing direct friction between the markers and brake disc. Immediate replacement of brake pads is required, along with thorough inspection of the brake disc. 3. Determine whether brake pads need replacement by braking effort: If braking feels laborious, it may indicate the brake pads have largely lost friction. Immediate replacement is required in such cases. 4. Determine whether brake pads need replacement by analyzing braking distance: Under normal circumstances, the braking distance at 100 km/h is about 40 meters. The more this distance exceeds 38-42 meters, the worse the braking performance. Longer braking distances indicate poor braking effectiveness of the pads. 5. Determine whether brake pads need replacement by braking pull: If the vehicle pulls to one side during braking due to uneven brake pad wear, immediate replacement of brake pads is necessary.
I remember the brakes felt spongy last time, so I decided to check the brake pad thickness myself. First, I parked the car on level ground, engaged the handbrake, then used a jack to lift and remove the wheel for a clear view of the brake pads next to the rotor. New brake pads typically have 10mm of friction material. I used a caliper to measure the remaining thickness—if it’s worn down to just 3mm, immediate replacement is needed to prevent a sharp drop in braking performance. Routine checks every 5,000 km or six months help with preventive maintenance and avoid surprises. During inspection, it’s also good to check other components like brake disc wear to ensure overall safety. DIY checks save money and teach valuable skills, but if you lack tools or confidence, visiting a mechanic is worth it. Safety first—don’t wait until the brakes fail to act!
