How to Know When to Replace Your Brake Pads?
2 Answers
You can determine whether to replace your brake pads through the following methods: 1. Brake pad thickness. New brake pads are approximately 1.5cm thick, and they should be replaced promptly when worn down to 0.3cm. 2. Vehicle computer alert. Most car dashboards have a brake warning light, and the brake pads should be replaced immediately when this light comes on. 3. Listen for sounds. Brake pads are mostly made of iron and can easily rust after prolonged parking, often accompanied by noise. The noise usually disappears after driving for a while, but if it persists, the brake pads should be replaced immediately. 4. Brake response. If the braking effect significantly weakens during the first half of pressing the brake pedal or the brake feels soft, the brake pads need to be replaced.
I drive dozens of kilometers to work every day and am particularly sensitive to brake pads. To determine if they need replacing, first listen for sounds: if you hear a squealing or screeching noise every time you brake, that's the wear indicator warning you—don't ignore it. Second, if you feel the brake pedal becoming softer or requiring more effort to stop the car, and the stopping distance increases significantly, it means the problem is serious. I often squat down when parked to check the brake pad thickness; if it's as thin as a sheet of paper or thinner than the edge of a coin, it's time to replace them immediately. Regular maintenance and having a mechanic inspect them is more reliable—check every 20,000 kilometers in the city. Delaying not only poses risks but could also damage the brake discs, costing more in the long run. Remember these tips: safety comes first when driving, and it gives peace of mind.
