How to Maintain Brake Pads?

[OLeah]

Brake pad maintenance tips are as follows: 1. Under normal driving conditions, inspect the brake pads every 5,000 kilometers. Check not only the remaining thickness but also the wear status of the brake pads, whether both sides are wearing evenly, and if they retract properly. Address any abnormalities immediately. 2. Brake pads generally consist of an iron backing plate and friction material. Do not wait until the friction material is completely worn out before replacing the pads. For example, the front brake pads of a Jetta have a new thickness of 14 mm, with a replacement limit of 7 mm, including over 3 mm of iron backing plate thickness and nearly 4 mm of friction material thickness. 3. Some vehicles come with a brake pad wear warning function. Once the wear limit is reached, the dashboard will alert you to replace the pads. Brake pads that have reached their usage limit must be replaced, as continuing to use them can reduce braking effectiveness and compromise driving safety. 4. When replacing, use the original manufacturer's brake pads to ensure the best braking performance and minimal wear between the pads and discs. 5. When replacing brake pads, always use specialized tools to retract the brake caliper pistons. Avoid using pry bars or other tools to force them back, as this can bend the caliper guide screws and cause the brake pads to seize. 6. After replacing the brake pads, press the brake pedal several times to eliminate the gap between the pads and the disc. Failure to do so may result in no braking on the first press, leading to potential accidents. 7. Newly replaced brake pads require a break-in period of 200 kilometers to achieve optimal braking performance. Drive cautiously during this period.

[LaSkylar]

After driving for so many years, I clearly understand that the key to brake pad maintenance lies in driving habits and regular inspections. I always avoid sudden braking, instead easing off the throttle early to slow down using inertia, which significantly reduces brake pad wear. Every quarter, I personally check the brake pad thickness using a simple measuring tool, and if it's below 3mm, I prepare to replace them. I also pay attention to any unusual sounds when braking—if there's any sharp squealing or the pedal feels soft, I immediately take the car to the repair shop. I remember one time when I was carrying a heavy load downhill, the brake pads overheated badly. Since then, I've learned to avoid carrying heavy loads and drive lighter, which is much friendlier to the brakes. During routine car maintenance, I also have the brake system checked and cleaned of dust to prevent sticking. Developing good driving and inspection habits ensures that brake pads last longer and perform more safely.

[VanSimon]

As an average car owner, I find that maintaining brake pads isn't actually difficult—the key is not to ignore abnormalities and address them promptly. During every vehicle service, I have the technician check the brake pad wear, and I also pay attention to whether the brake pedal feels normal while driving. If I notice any unusual noises or vibrations, I never delay in getting them fixed. Avoiding frequent hard braking can significantly extend the lifespan of brake pads, and my driving style has become much gentler now. Additionally, tire condition also affects braking efficiency, so checking tire pressure is a good habit. When replacing brake pads, I choose reliable brands for peace of mind and cost savings. By sticking to this routine of regular checks and timely responses, my brake pads have remained dependable.

[DeAaliyah]

For brake pad maintenance, I mainly focus on three points: avoid sudden braking, check regularly, and address issues early. When driving, I usually ease off the accelerator to slow down, reducing brake wear. Every 5,000 kilometers, I have the repair shop measure the thickness of the brake pads. If they wear too quickly, I look for the cause. Pay attention to signs like brake noise or a stiff pedal, and replace them promptly to avoid greater damage. Light driving is more brake-friendly.

[MarcusFitz]

I often pay attention to brake system maintenance. It is recommended to regularly check the cleanliness and thickness of brake pads, as dust accumulation can easily lead to poor friction. Drive with gentle braking to avoid overheating, as sudden braking is a killer. When replacing brake pads, choose matching models, as low-quality parts won't last long. The condition of the brake discs also affects wear, so pay attention to the overall system during daily use. During each maintenance, I check whether the brake fluid level is normal. Address minor issues promptly to ensure safe driving.