What are the criteria for replacing brake pads?
4 Answers
Here is the relevant introduction about the criteria for replacing brake pads: 1. Replace the front brake pads approximately every 30,000-50,000 kilometers, and the rear brake pads every 60,000-100,000 kilometers. 2. The specific replacement cycle should be based on the standard values required by the car manufacturer. 3. Whether the brake discs need to be replaced can be determined according to your driving habits. 4. The thickness of new brake pads is about 1.5 centimeters. When they wear down to one-third of their original thickness or less than 5 millimeters, they should be replaced promptly. Notes: 1. If you hear a metal grinding sound when braking, it may indicate that the brake pads have worn down to the minimum thickness, and the limit indicators on both sides of the brake pads are touching and grinding against the brake discs, producing abnormal noise. Immediate replacement is necessary. 2. If the brake pedal feels light, or you experience difficulty braking or insufficient braking power, it indicates severe wear and insufficient thickness of the brake pads, which also requires prompt replacement.
I've been driving for many years, and the standard for changing brake pads mainly depends on the degree of wear. Generally speaking, when the thickness drops below 3 millimeters, it's time to replace them. Otherwise, the braking distance will increase, especially on rainy days when it's particularly easy to skid and cause accidents. I've personally experienced that screeching sound when braking—that's the wear indicator warning you, sounding like metal scraping the ground. Also, if the pedal feels soft or there's some vibration when braking, these are all signals. Don't delay, or the repair cost could double if the brake discs get damaged. Every time I wash my car, I take a look at the thickness of the pads inside the wheels. If they're thin, I send the car for repair immediately. Safety always comes first—don't risk big trouble to save a little money. Regular maintenance can prevent these accidents.
I always prioritize vehicle safety, so the benchmark for replacing brake pads is when the thickness drops to a certain point. The industry recommendation is approximately 3 millimeters—anything below this requires immediate attention. Another indicator is sound: if you hear continuous squeaking during braking, it means the wear indicators are making contact. Additionally, increased brake pedal travel or reduced responsiveness (like difficulty holding position on slopes) signals trouble. Neglecting timely replacement not only degrades braking performance but risks damaging the entire system, leading to costly repairs. I recommend a professional inspection every six months, especially after long trips. Staying alert to these warning signs during daily driving helps avoid risks.
As a car owner, I have three reasons for changing brake pads: first, when the thickness is too low, say less than 3mm; second, when there are strange braking noises, like sharp metallic scraping sounds; and third, when the dashboard warning light comes on. Don't wait until they're completely worn out and damage the brake discs. I'm used to doing rough checks myself—when the pads look thin, I take action. This way, I drive with more peace of mind and don't have to worry about not stopping in an emergency. Simply put, act when there's a warning.
