What does 'brake pads don't need repair' mean?

[Stacey]

The brake pads are no longer usable and need to be replaced. Below is additional information on brake pad maintenance: 1. Avoid sudden braking: Emergency braking causes significant damage to brake pads. When driving normally, pay attention to braking gradually or use intermittent braking to minimize wear on the brake pads. 2. Reduce braking frequency: Develop a good habit of minimizing brake usage while driving normally. You can use engine braking to reduce speed first, then apply the brakes for further deceleration or stopping. Downshifting more often can help with speed reduction. 3. Break in new brake pads properly: After replacing the brake pads, be sure to pump the brakes several times to eliminate the gap between the pads and rotors. Additionally, new brake pads require a break-in period of about 200 kilometers to achieve optimal braking performance, so drive with extra caution immediately after replacement.

[JesseMarie]

I often hear this saying in car enthusiast circles, meaning that the brake pads are so severely worn that they can no longer be repaired and must be replaced immediately. Brake pads are like the soles of a car's shoes—after long-term use, the friction material wears out. If you insist on repairing them, not only will it waste time and money, but it may also affect braking performance and increase the risk of accidents. I remember when I was first learning to drive, a buddy tried to save money by repairing his brake pads, and he almost rear-ended someone on the highway. Later, I looked it up and learned that reputable manufacturers recommend regular thickness checks—if it's below 3 millimeters, it's time for a replacement. Brakes are the bottom line of safety; never cut corners or delay. Since buying my car, I've been monitoring my brake condition myself, and after replacing them a few times, I feel much more at ease while driving.

[JaceLynn]

From a safe driving perspective, the warning 'brake pads should not be repaired' actually alerts you that the part has reached its limit. As someone who drives very steadily, I deeply understand how terrifying brake failure can be. Imagine sudden brake failure on a rainy curve—the consequences would be unthinkable! Once brake pads are worn, repairs are often ineffective because the internal structure is severely damaged. Only by replacing them with new pads can braking force be restored. For daily vehicle use, it's recommended to check every 20,000 kilometers to see if the wear indicator light is on. I keep a simple tester in my car, and whenever I feel the brakes are soft, I check immediately to identify issues early and avoid major repairs. Safety comes first—it's better to spend a few hundred more on new pads than to risk using old ones.

[AndersonFitz]

From an economic perspective, not repairing brake pads is due to high maintenance costs and poor results. With a limited budget and a habit of being meticulous, replacing new pads usually costs a few hundred dollars, but repairs might take half a day and even shorten the lifespan of the parts, increasing follow-up expenses. For example, last time my brakes made strange noises, and the inspection revealed the pads were thin. The repair quote was 30% more expensive than new pads, so I opted to replace them with a more durable brand. Developing a habit of regular maintenance and replacing rather than repairing actually saves money in the long run. One more thing to note: second-hand brake pads on the market are cheap but unreliable. It’s recommended to buy new ones from authorized shops, as they can last tens of thousands of kilometers more. Saving small amounts might lead to bigger costs—it’s better to just replace them outright.