Is it okay not to replace brake discs after 120,000 kilometers?
2 Answers
It is not advisable to drive for 120,000 kilometers without replacing the brake discs. Generally, brake discs should be replaced every 60,000 to 70,000 kilometers, while brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. This is because brake discs and brake pads wear relatively, and for every two replacements of brake pads, the brake discs must be replaced once. Here is an introduction to brake pad replacement: Brake pad noise: If you hear a hissing or rustling sound, it's time to replace the brake pads immediately. The wear indicators on both sides of the brake pads are already directly rubbing against the brake disc. Continuing to use them will damage the brake disc. Wear indicators: Brake discs have wear indicators, which consist of three small pits distributed on the disc surface. The depth of these pits, measured with a vernier caliper, is 1.5mm. If the total wear depth on both sides of the brake disc reaches 3mm, it should be replaced.
Not changing brake discs after 120,000 kilometers? I've encountered a similar situation myself. The car had run over 100,000 kilometers without replacing the brake discs, and recently the brakes started shaking with a screeching noise. A check at the repair shop revealed the disc surfaces were worn extremely thin, and they had to be replaced entirely. The main issue is that not changing them for too long can lead to brake failure, especially during emergency stops at high speeds, significantly increasing stopping distances and posing serious safety risks. I recommend paying attention to any signs of sluggish braking or unusual noises. You can even do a simple check at home: there's a small hole on the wheel through which you can inspect the disc surface for obvious grooves or cracks. If the wear is excessive, get it handled by professionals as soon as possible—don’t wait until an accident happens to regret it. Regular maintenance, including replacing both brake pads and discs together, can save money and extend the system's lifespan. In short, 120,000 kilometers is already high mileage, and replacement is likely necessary—don’t gamble with safety.
