How to Check the Remaining Thickness of Vios Brake Pads?
2 Answers
To check the thickness of Vios brake pads, simply measure them directly. There is an indicator position, or you can wait until the brake pads reach the limit value and the warning light comes on before replacing them. Car brake pads, also known as car brake linings, are friction materials fixed on the brake drum or brake disc that rotates with the wheel. The friction linings and friction blocks bear external pressure to generate friction, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicle deceleration. The steps to replace brake pads are as follows: 1. Before replacing the brake pads, open the cover of the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment and check the brake fluid level. If the brake fluid level is above the maximum limit, some should be sucked out to prevent overflow during replacement; 2. Prepare the new brake pads to be replaced and remove the wheel where the brake is located. Be careful to avoid scratching the rim during the removal process; 3. Use a wrench and socket to remove the bolts of the brake caliper, then take out the brake pad (if there is a brake sensor line, remove it first). Check if the brake pads are excessively worn or cracked, and proceed to the next step of replacement if necessary; 4. Since the brake caliper may have a lot of sand or dirt, clean it thoroughly with a cloth and apply anti-noise paste to prevent abnormal noises during braking; 5. Use a piston pump to press the piston to the position where it cannot move, then install the new brake pad on the brake caliper (if there is a brake sensor line, it should also be installed). Tighten the guide bolts after the new brake pads are properly installed; 6. After installation, cover the reservoir lid, get into the car, and press the brake pedal several times to reset the brake. Then check the brake fluid level to ensure it is within the appropriate range; 7. After replacement, test drive to check if the braking effect is achieved.
To check the remaining thickness of the Vios brake pads, I think the most direct method is to remove the wheel for inspection. I often do it myself: find a safe place to jack up the car, remove the wheel, and use a flashlight to illuminate the brake caliper area, where you can see the brake pads inside. New pads are generally around 10 to 12 mm thick, and when they wear down to about 3 mm, it's time to replace them. If you're too lazy to remove the wheel, some Vios models have inspection holes in the wheel hub, allowing you to use a small mirror to check the thickness. Using a vernier caliper for measurement is more accurate, but if you don't have one, you can compare it with a coin—new pads are about the thickness of a one-yuan coin, and when worn down, they're only about one-third that thickness. Be sure to stay safe, preferably wearing gloves to avoid injury. Regular checks can save you a lot of money, as brake failure is very dangerous. I recommend checking every six months.
