What are the effects of thin brake pads on a vehicle?
2 Answers
Thin brake pads on a car may lead to increased brake pedal travel during normal driving and damage to the brake discs. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are the most critical safety components in a vehicle's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking relies decisively on the condition of the brake pads. The working principle of brakes primarily relies on friction. By utilizing the friction between the brake pads and brake discs (or drums), as well as between the tires and the ground, the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted into thermal energy through friction, bringing the car to a stop. Here are some details about thinning car brake pads: Service life: The lifespan of front brake pads is approximately 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads last about 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Thickness: A new set of brake pads is typically about 1.5 cm thick. During use, as the calipers and brake pads wear down, the pads gradually become thinner. When the visible thickness is reduced to about 0.5 cm, the brake pads should be replaced immediately.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have seen many cases of worn brake pads. The most obvious impact is a significantly longer braking distance, especially during sudden stops or in rainy conditions, requiring more following distance to avoid rear-end collisions. Additionally, you'll hear that sharp metal-on-metal grinding noise, which gets progressively louder and makes driving uncomfortable. If ignored, the brake discs or rotors can wear out, doubling the replacement cost. Last time this happened to me, the brake disc was also damaged, costing me an extra five hundred bucks to fix. I recommend checking them regularly yourself—use a ruler to measure the thickness. If it's below 2-3 millimeters, it's time to replace them. Safety is no small matter, and addressing it early can save a lot of trouble.
