How to Check Brake Pads?

[MacColeman]

Brake pad inspection methods are as follows: 1. Check the thickness of the brake pads. Generally, a new brake pad has a total thickness of about 1.5cm. When the thickness of the brake pad is less than or equal to 0.3cm, it has reached its wear limit, indicating that the brake pads need to be replaced; 2. Feel the change in braking force when stepping on the brake. If you always feel that braking requires more effort than before or is less responsive, or if the brake pedal position feels lower during emergency braking and the pedal travel becomes longer, it means the brake pads must be inspected or replaced as soon as possible; 3. Listen for unusual sounds when braking. For example, a metal grinding noise or a sharp metal scraping sound when lightly pressing the brake. If this occurs, excluding the break-in period of new brake pads, it indicates an abnormal condition of the brake pads, possibly exceeding the wear limit. Each brake pad has a raised wear limit indicator, usually about 0.3cm thick. If the brake pad has worn down to less than 0.3cm, it must be replaced immediately.

[OHarper]

I usually start by visually inspecting the brake pad thickness in the wheel hub gap. If it's worn down to just a few millimeters, it's time for replacement. Then, I listen for sounds – a sharp, screeching noise during braking usually indicates the wear indicator is signaling severe wear. During checks, a test drive can help; feeling weak braking or delayed response is also dangerous. I often check during routine maintenance, using calipers for a more accurate thickness measurement; replace immediately if it's less than 3mm. Pay attention to whether the brake disc is smooth – grooves should be addressed promptly to prevent accelerated wear. Daily prevention is crucial; it's advisable to inspect every 10,000 kilometers or so to ensure driving safety and avoid rear-end collisions.

[MacTucker]

As an ordinary car owner with years of driving experience, I'd like to share a simple method: After parking and turning off the engine, squat down and look through the wheel opening to check the brake pad thickness. If it's as thin as a coin, don't hesitate to replace it. Pay attention to brake noises while driving, especially at night when it's quiet - unusual sounds often indicate the warning shims are working. Be cautious if you feel the brake pedal becoming spongy. I recommend checking every six months or 5,000 kilometers, which you can do yourself without professional tools. If you notice uneven wear, it might indicate caliper issues that need repair. Regular maintenance can extend lifespan and save repair costs.

[DiDaniel]

I enjoy personally inspecting car components. Jack up the vehicle, remove the wheels, and directly examine the brake pads. Replace them if the thickness is below 3mm - measuring tools cost just a few dollars. Also check the brake disc surface for smoothness to avoid performance issues from uneven wear. Clean off dust before reinstalling wheels to ensure proper contact. The whole process takes about 20 minutes - remember to use jack stands for safety to prevent the car from falling. Making this a quarterly habit prevents major issues, saving money and giving peace of mind.