How to Check the Wear Degree of Corolla Brake Pads?

[LukeLynn]

Methods to check the wear degree of Corolla brake pads are as follows: 1. Check the thickness of the brake pads. The thickness of new front and rear brake pads is 10 millimeters, and the wear limit of the brake pads is 1 millimeter. When the remaining thickness is 1 millimeter, they need to be replaced. 2. When you feel very strenuous when stepping on the brake, it must be replaced. Methods to prevent excessive wear of brake pads are as follows: 1. During steep descents, reduce the speed in advance and use the appropriate gear. Using engine braking in conjunction with the operation of the braking system can effectively reduce the burden on the braking system and avoid overheating. 2. Do not turn off the engine during downhill driving. Most cars are equipped with a brake vacuum booster pump. Once the engine is turned off, the brake booster pump not only fails to assist but also creates great resistance to the brake master cylinder, significantly increasing the braking distance. 3. When driving an automatic transmission car in the city, always release the throttle in time, regardless of speed.

[KendraLee]

I've been driving a Corolla for many years, and checking the brake pad wear is quite simple yet important. While driving, pay attention to any sharp squeaking sounds from the brakes, as that's a warning sign of severe wear. After parking, find a well-lit spot, turn the steering wheel fully to one side, crouch down, and carefully check the thickness of the brake pads through the wheel rim gap; new brake pads are about 10mm thick, and if they're worn down to 3mm or less, they must be replaced immediately. I make it a habit to check them myself every 5,000 km or with the change of seasons, because delaying replacement not only reduces braking performance but can also damage the brake discs, costing hundreds more in repairs—definitely not worth it. Additionally, the Corolla's wheel rim design is quite user-friendly, especially the front wheels, which are very easy to inspect. For safety, if you're unsure how to do it, it's better to visit a professional repair shop and have them measure it with calipers. Remembering this little trick can save lives and hassle.

[NorahRose]

I haven’t been driving my Corolla for long, but learning how to check brake pad wear has been really helpful. The method is simple: first, park the car and engage the handbrake, then ask a friend to help with lighting while you check the thickness of the brake pad edges through the wheel gap. When new, they’re as sturdy as a thick card (about 10 mm), but if they wear down to the thickness of a credit card (around 3 mm), it’s time to replace them. Pay attention to unusual noises when braking in daily driving, like squeaking sounds—that’s the wear indicator alerting you. I also recommend checking every three to four months, as neglecting this can lead to sluggish braking, increasing accident risks and wasting fuel. Beginners shouldn’t shy away from the hassle. When I was unsure the first time, I went to the dealership to learn, and now I can do it myself in just a few minutes. The Corolla’s braking system is relatively durable, but regular checks are key.

[VonJoseph]

I enjoy working on cars in my spare time and have some expertise in checking the brake pad wear on a Corolla. The basic method is to visually inspect the thickness through the wheel rim gap: new pads are 10-12 mm, and they need replacement when worn down to 3 mm or less. Alternatively, while driving, listen for a high-pitched squealing sound, which is the alarm from metal contact after wear. For regular maintenance, measuring with calipers is the most accurate to avoid misjudgment; on average, they should be replaced every 50,000 kilometers, but aggressive driving can accelerate wear and shorten the cycle. Safety-wise, this is not something to be careless about, so I perform a self-check every two months. A simple trick is to take a quick glance after parking—the Corolla's design provides a clear view of the front wheels.