How to Check the Thickness of Car Brake Pads?

[VanLaila]

To check the brake pad thickness without removing the tire, tilt your line of sight at a 15-degree angle to the wheel hub plane and observe the gap between the brake pad and the brake disc to assess wear. Some vehicle models require tire removal for inspection due to wheel hub design, necessitating a visit to an auto repair shop for replacement. Here’s an introduction to brake pads: 1. A well-maintained brake pad is approximately 1.5 cm thick. Replacement is urgently needed when thickness falls below 5 mm. 2. Each brake pad has raised indicators on both sides (about 2-3 mm thick). Immediate replacement is mandatory if the pad wears down to this level. Premium vehicles may display a dashboard warning when pads are excessively thin. 3. Thinner pads reduce braking responsiveness, requiring deeper pedal pressure for equivalent stopping power. If the initial brake pedal travel shows significantly weakened effectiveness or a 'soft' feel, inspect the pads promptly.