How to Determine the Thickness of Car Brake Pads?
2 Answers
Brake pad thickness can be visually inspected by looking through the wheel hub gaps. If the brake pads have worn down to one-third of their standard thickness, they should be replaced as soon as possible. Here is more information about brake pads: 1. The standard thickness of brake pads is generally around 1.5cm. As the car undergoes braking operations during use, friction will gradually reduce their thickness. The critical thickness point for brake pads is typically around 2-3 millimeters. If the brake pad thickness is less than 3mm, replacement is mandatory. 2. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are the most critical safety components in a car's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking performance is decisively determined by the condition of the brake pads.
My usual method for checking brake pad thickness is to look directly through the holes in the wheel rims. Many cars have openings in their alloy wheels that allow a clear view of the brake pad condition. Normally, new pads are about 10mm thick, and when worn down to 3mm, they should be replaced—measuring is actually quite simple; I sometimes use a regular ruler or caliper to measure the remaining thickness by inserting it into the gap. If the wheel doesn't have holes or visibility is poor, I remove the tire for a thorough inspection, which is more accurate and also allows me to check for uneven wear. When brake pads are too thin, braking distance noticeably increases, and the pedal feels spongy when pressed, significantly compromising safety. I make it a habit to check every six months or every 10,000 kilometers to prevent accidents. If the thickness is down to about 2mm, I replace them immediately to avoid damaging the brake discs, which would be more costly to repair. This is a simple task you can do yourself; there's no need to frequently visit the repair shop.
