Under What Circumstances Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
3 Answers
When there is abnormal noise or vibration during braking, the brake pads need to be replaced. Relevant information about braking is as follows: 1. Abnormal noise during braking occurs because the thickness of the brake pads is less than 3MM, and the upper limit iron piece of the brake pads wears against the brake disc, causing the noise. 2. Brake vibration is caused by uneven contact between the brake pads and the brake disc. 3. For disc brakes, the brake pads generally need to be replaced after the vehicle has traveled about 60,000 kilometers, while for drum brakes, the brake pads generally need to be replaced after the vehicle has traveled about 100,000 kilometers. 4. Check the thickness of the brake pads; if the thickness is less than 3MM, they should be replaced.
I've been driving for over a decade, and changing brake pads mainly depends on thickness and feel. During every maintenance check, I ask the mechanic to inspect the brake pad thickness. New ones are about 10 mm thick, and they need replacement when worn down to around 3 mm. If you hear a squeaking or whistling sound when braking, that's the wear indicator telling you it's time for new pads. Once, I noticed the brake pedal felt unusually soft, requiring more force to stop, and sure enough, the pads were severely worn when I checked at the shop. Drivers who frequently drive in mountainous areas or brake often will experience faster wear. Remember not to wait until the pads are completely worn out, as this can damage the brake discs and cost more to repair. When replacing, it's advisable to change both left and right wheel pads together to avoid uneven braking and ensure safety. Also, try not to keep your foot on the brake pedal at red lights to extend their lifespan.
I believe the most critical aspect of changing brake pads is safety performance. I make it a habit to quickly check the brake pads whenever I inspect my tires each month by peeking through the wheel hub gaps to see how much material is left. When the thickness becomes as thin as the edge of a coin, it's definitely time to replace them. While driving, if you notice significantly longer braking distances or slight vibrations when pressing the pedal, these are dangerous warning signs. Last time when driving in the rain, I found the brakes weren't gripping well - fortunately I wasn't speeding, and the post-check revealed completely worn-out pads. Most modern cars now come with wear sensors, so never hesitate when the dashboard warning light comes on. I recommend getting them inspected every 20,000-30,000 kilometers - don't skimp on the inspection fee. For daily driving, using gradual braking (rather than sudden stops) better preserves your brake pads.
