What does 'Don't repair the brake pads' mean?

3 Answers
MarcusFitz
07/28/25 10:44pm
Automobile brake pads, also known as brake linings, refer to the friction materials fixed on the rotating brake drums or brake discs of the wheels. The friction linings and blocks bear external pressure to generate friction, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicle deceleration. Brake pads are not as durable as hardware like engines or transmissions. Brake pads cannot be repaired, as they are not designed for secondary repairs during manufacturing. Additionally, replacing new brake pads is not expensive, making it more cost-effective to install new ones. There is no specific maintenance cycle for brake pads; their replacement is determined based on the vehicle's driving conditions. When the vehicle exhibits insufficient braking force, abnormal braking noises, or excessive free play in the brake pedal, it is time to replace the brake pads. 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. Reducing the frequency of brake usage, avoiding heavy or sudden braking, and utilizing engine braking to slow down the vehicle can all help extend the lifespan of brake pads. When selecting brake pads, choose according to your vehicle's needs, and it is recommended to opt for brake pads made of the same material as the original ones.
Was this review help?
15
3
Share
OMalia
08/12/25 2:07am
I've been driving for decades, and once I hit the road without changing the brake pads, almost rear-ending someone on the highway—it was a close call that left me shaken. A friend told me, 'Don’t bother repairing the brake pads,' which was actually a warning that they were too worn out to be worth fixing. Generally, brake pads should be fully replaced once they wear down to 2-3 mm, otherwise, the braking distance doubles, especially in rainy conditions or during sudden stops, increasing the risk of losing control. Some people try to save money by resurfacing or 'repairing' them, but that’s just a temporary fix—they’ll wear out again quickly and may even damage the brake discs. My advice is to inspect them every 20,000 km—safety comes first. Don’t take big risks to save a little money. When it’s time to replace them, spend the money on new ones to ensure your car stays stable and gives you peace of mind on the road.
Was this review help?
7
3
Share
Expand All
McNolan
10/01/25 4:29am
To be honest, I used to always look for quick fixes, repairing this and that. But when it comes to brake pads, 'don’t bother repairing' means you shouldn’t waste time and money on patch-up jobs. Unlike tires that can be patched with glue, brake pads are consumables—once worn out, they’re done. For example, if the thickness is below 3mm, repairing is pointless as problems will quickly resurface. Getting new ones is actually more cost-effective; a set only costs a few hundred yuan and lasts quite a while. Trying to repair them might cost more and increase risks, like softer braking or more noise. I once tried repairing them, only to end up with more issues in the entire braking system two weeks later—deeply regretted it. Remember, safety comes first; timely replacement is the most economical and reliable choice.
Was this review help?
16
0
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Can a Car with a Spare Tire Drive on the Highway?

Can a Car with a Spare Tire Drive on the Highway? A car with a spare tire can drive on the highway. Spare tires for cars are divided into full-size spare tires and non-full-size spare tires. Full-size spare tires have no restrictions on mileage or speed and can replace any temporarily or permanently unusable tire. Non-full-size spare tires can only be used on non-driving wheels, and the maximum speed must not exceed 80 kilometers per hour. Since spare tires are not frequently used, they should be regularly removed to check for insufficient tire pressure or other signs of wear. If small cracks are found on the sidewall of the spare tire, it should be replaced with a new one. In the storage area for the spare tire in the car, avoid placing oil containers such as engine oil or brake fluid, as leakage of these oils can corrode the tire and reduce its lifespan.
14
1
Share

What are the requirements for exchanging a Korean driver's license for a Chinese one?

To exchange a Korean driver's license for a Chinese one, you must pass the subject one test and your passport's Korean visa duration must exceed 90 days. 1. Required materials: Applicants exchanging a foreign driver's license for a Chinese one need to submit their identity proof, a physical condition certificate issued by a county-level or above medical institution, three one-inch white-background color photos, original and photocopies of passport and visa, and the foreign driver's license. If the foreign driver's license does not have Chinese text, a Chinese translation must also be submitted. 2. Notes: The foreign driver's license must be a valid, non-temporary license that permits independent driving. For staff of foreign embassies, consulates, and international organizations in China, the application follows the principle of diplomatic reciprocity. Those needing to take a test to exchange their foreign driver's license for a Chinese one should schedule the test at the vehicle management office, and must complete the test within three years from the date of acceptance.
7
2
Share

Are China V and China VI Engine Oils Interchangeable?

China V and China VI engine oils are not interchangeable. The difference lies in the higher grade requirements for engine oil, necessitating the use of fully synthetic oils of SN or SP grade. In the latest China VI engine oils, some manufacturers have reduced the proportion of sulfur, phosphorus, and other additives to minimize pollutant generation, making them more environmentally friendly without compromising combustion efficiency. Differences between China V and China VI: The China VI standard is stricter than China V. In terms of emission standards, nitrogen oxides are reduced by 77%, and particulate matter by 67%, with more stringent limits on particle number introduced. China VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. During the initial China V phase, emission standards varied between diesel and gasoline engine vehicles. In terms of pricing, China VI vehicles are more expensive than China V vehicles. Automakers also incur additional costs from various tests for vehicle certification and production commencement. China VI imposes stricter compliance supervision and management requirements, including type inspection and information disclosure, production consistency checks, new vehicle inspections, and in-use vehicle conformity checks for private cars, simplifying the method for determining standard compliance.
7
2
Share

Why does the driver's license still show as pending on 12123 after the annual inspection?

After the annual inspection of the driver's license, it still shows as pending on 12123 because the staff have not yet entered the inspection information into the online system. As long as the inspection procedures are correct, it will not affect the use of the driver's license. Below are the details regarding the driver's license annual inspection: 1. Renewal time: According to the Road Traffic Safety Law implemented on May 1, the minimum validity period of a driver's license is 6 years, and the license does not require annual inspection during its validity period. However, the renewal should be processed at the local traffic police branch within 90 days before the expiration date. 2. Medical examination: Drivers aged 60 and above, regardless of the type of license they hold, must collect the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form" from the Vehicle Management Section of their local traffic police branch during the original annual inspection period. After undergoing a medical examination at a designated hospital, they must submit the form back to the Vehicle Management Section for computer confirmation.
20
1
Share

What materials are needed for the first car maintenance?

The items required for the first maintenance include: driver's license; vehicle registration certificate; maintenance manual; warranty manual; owner's ID card; vehicle's driving license; vehicle purchase invoice, and you need to go to the designated first maintenance institution for the service. Note: Make an appointment with the 4S store in advance. The first maintenance refers to the initial service after a new car is driven, and the specific time varies by car, usually after driving 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers. The car needs to participate in the first maintenance in time, neither in advance nor delayed. The completion of the first maintenance marks the end of the car's running-in period, and the car can now be driven according to the standard load and normal speed required by the vehicle. The time for the first insurance is calculated based on the date of picking up the car. There are two indicator values for the first maintenance time: mileage and time. Whichever comes first will be the standard. The first maintenance items include: changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter, checking whether various oil levels are normal, checking whether the generator belt and wiper blades are damaged, checking whether the tire pressure is normal, and checking whether the tires are damaged or bulging. Time required: It takes about 2 hours to complete all the work. The most important part of the first maintenance for a new car is changing the engine oil and oil filter. When changing the engine oil, the oil filter must be replaced together, and the selection of engine oil must refer to the "Vehicle Use and Maintenance Manual," as different models have different specified engine oil grades. Maintenance precautions: Do not wash the interior of the car body with water: Many people will tidy up and clean their cars during holidays, washing the body with water and wiping it with a cloth. Here, it is important to remind that the interior of the car body does not need to be washed directly with water. If the floor mats are dirty, you can use a vacuum cleaner or take them out, brush them with detergent, dry them, and then put them back. There are many through holes under the rubber mats on the floor of the driver's cab. If water enters, it will not dry but will flow through the holes to parts like the gearbox, causing erosion and corrosion. The better approach is to clean with a vacuum cleaner and then wipe with a cloth to prevent water accumulation. Do not mix different brands of antifreeze: When the antifreeze in the car is insufficient, it is recommended to drain the antifreeze early and add the same brand of antifreeze from the beginning. Because different brands of antifreeze have different chemical functions, the various functional additives may corrode each other. Different brands of antifreeze use different additives, so do not mix them to avoid unnecessary trouble. Do not lubricate tire bolts and nuts: When the bolts on a running car rust, they are usually oiled to make them work properly again. To prevent the bolts and nuts on the wheels from rusting, some people apply lubricating oil to them, but this brings necessary risks to safe driving. When the car is driving at high speed, the bolts and nuts may loosen or even fall off, leading to driving failure. When promoting an EFI car, there is no need to step on the accelerator: The promoter of an EFI car is different from that of an ordinary car. Its fuel injection control device can actively adjust the fuel supply according to the temperature and working conditions of the promoter, making the promoter work smoothly.
15
0
Share

What does actual driving experience mean?

Actual driving experience refers to the number of years a person has been driving a car. The details are as follows: 1. Definition: Driving experience is the period during which a motor vehicle driver has held a motor vehicle driving qualification, calculated from the date the driver obtained the driving qualification. If a motor vehicle driver obtains different driving qualifications by adding permitted vehicle types (additional driving qualifications), each driving qualification has its own separate driving experience, which should not be confused. 2. Calculation standard: If a driver's license is revoked for not being renewed on time or for not submitting a medical examination report within two years, the driver can regain the driving qualification by passing Subject One (the examination on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge). After regaining the driving qualification, the original permitted vehicle types of the driver's license are retained, and the driver's previous driving experience is counted continuously.
20
2
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.