What does 'Don't repair the brake pads, just replace them' mean?
3 Answers
The meaning of 'Don't repair the brake pads, just replace them' is: The brake pads are no longer usable and need to be replaced. Below is an extended introduction to brake pads: 1. Brake pads are specifically designed for friction during braking, and in some places, they are also called brake linings. There is no fixed replacement cycle for brake pads, and it is recommended to inspect them regularly. For general household vehicles, inspection is recommended at around 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers, and replacement should be determined based on the degree of wear. 2. Since everyone's driving habits vary and each vehicle's braking system is different, the replacement time should be determined based on the degree of wear. Brake pads typically wear out significantly. Before they are completely worn out, when you apply the brakes, the wear indicator on the brake pad will rub against the brake disc, producing a sharp, piercing sound. 3. Some vehicle models have a dedicated warning light for brake pad wear. When the brake pad wear warning light on the dashboard illuminates, it indicates that the brake pads need to be inspected and replaced. 4. Reducing the frequency of brake usage, avoiding heavy or sudden braking, and utilizing engine braking to slow down can all help extend the lifespan of brake pads.
As a seasoned veteran with over a decade of experience in auto repair shops, I often encounter customers asking what 'don't bother repairing the brake pads when you go back' means. The real meaning behind this phrase is that the brake pads are so severely worn that they're beyond repair and must be replaced entirely. The reason is straightforward: brake pads consist of friction material bonded to a metal backing plate. Once they're worn down flat or develop deep grooves and cracks, attempting to repair them is as unreliable as patching up tattered clothing. This can lead to unstable braking performance, squealing noises, and in severe cases, complete brake failure, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. I've personally witnessed numerous car owners who tried to save money by repairing worn pads, only to regret it deeply when their brakes failed mid-drive. So when your mechanic tells you this, take their advice and get new pads immediately. Normal brake pads last only tens of thousands of kilometers, depending on driving habits. Checking their thickness before long trips is a wise practice. Don't underestimate the cost of replacement—safe driving is what truly matters.
As an average car owner who loves driving my little car around, I was a bit confused when the mechanic said 'don't bother repairing the brake pads' after checking my brakes during the last maintenance visit. He later explained that my brake pads had worn down to the metal backing plate, making it unsafe to continue driving, and it would be better to just replace them with new ones rather than attempting repairs. After the replacement, the brakes indeed became much smoother, making the car feel more responsive. This phrase essentially reminds us that brake pads are consumables – once they're worn out, they're done for, and trying to repair them is just a waste of money and time. Think about it: how can you repair something as thin as paper? It's better to spend a few hundred bucks on new pads to solve the problem and drive with peace of mind. From daily experience, checking the brake pad thickness every quarter is the best way to prevent issues, since no one wants to encounter dangerous situations on the road.
