How to Determine if Brake Pads Need Replacement?
2 Answers
Methods to determine if brake pads need replacement are: 1. Observe that the brake pad thickness is only one-third of the original; 2. There is abnormal noise when lightly applying the brakes; 3. The brake response is slow, and the braking force becomes weaker. Automotive brake pads, also known as automotive brake linings, refer to the friction materials fixed on the brake drums or brake discs that rotate with the wheels. The method to replace automotive brake pads is: 1. Lift the car and remove the tire; 2. Unscrew the fixing screws on the brake caliper and remove the brake caliper; 3. Remove the old brake pads and push back the brake caliper piston; 4. Clean the installation bracket of the brake disc and install the new brake pads.
I've been driving for many years and have plenty of experience changing brake pads. The most straightforward way to tell is by listening for sounds: when you press the brake, if there's a continuous screeching or squeaking noise, that's the wear indicator on the brake pads warning you that they're nearing their limit. Another way is to feel the feedback from the brake pedal—if it feels soft or weak when pressed, or if there's vibration or shaking, it means the brake pads are too thin. You can also do a simple check yourself: open the wheel hub cover and use calipers or visually inspect the thickness of the brake pads. New pads are usually around 10-12 mm, and if they're below 3 mm, it's time to replace them immediately. If you don't replace them in time, the brake rotors can get damaged, which is more expensive and troublesome to fix. I recommend checking them every six months or every 10,000 kilometers, especially before long trips—safety is not something to take lightly.
