What does it mean when the brake pads of a car are worn?
2 Answers
When the brake pads of a car are worn, it means they have reached their wear limit. Most mid-to-high-end models are equipped with a brake pad warning system. Once the brake pads wear down to the limit, the dashboard will display a brake pad wear reminder or illuminate a warning light. The quality of the brake pads determines the effectiveness of the braking system, which is closely related to the safety of the vehicle. Therefore, daily maintenance of the brake pads is particularly important. During the use of the car, frequent braking causes the friction material of the brake pads to gradually wear down due to friction, leading to increasingly poor braking performance. If not replaced in time, this can result in a loss of braking effectiveness, compromising driving safety. It is recommended that car owners regularly inspect and replace their brake pads.
Brake pad wear means the brake pads have become thinner. With over a decade of driving experience, I've encountered this situation. Every time you press the brake, the pads rub against the brake disc, just like sandpaper grinding against a stone, gradually wearing them down over time. I remember once on the highway, the brakes suddenly felt spongy, and it took longer to stop. Upon inspection, the pads were almost worn down to nothing—it was a real scare. If left unrepaired, it can lead to brake failure and accidents. That's why I now insist on getting them checked every 20,000 kilometers or immediately if I hear squeaking sounds while braking. Safety is more important than anything else. I advise everyone not to overlook this—timely maintenance can save lives and money.
