What is the brake-pads-worn warning light?
2 Answers
brake-pads-worn is the warning light for brake pad wear. Mileage: Under normal driving conditions, the front brake pads should be replaced approximately every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, and the rear brake pads every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Once severe brake pad wear is detected, they should be replaced promptly. Degree of wear: Typically, new brake pads are about 1.5 centimeters thick. If they wear down to one-third of their original thickness, or less than 5 millimeters, it is recommended to replace them immediately. If a metallic scraping sound is heard during braking, this may indicate that the brake pads have worn down to their minimum thickness, causing the wear indicators to contact the brake disc and produce noise—prompt replacement is necessary. If the brake pedal feels lighter than usual, or if braking becomes difficult or ineffective, this suggests severe brake pad wear and insufficient thickness, requiring immediate replacement.
When I see the 'brake pad wear' warning light on the dashboard, I get a little nervous—it's usually an exclamation mark icon or a 'BRAKE PADS' sign, indicating that your brake pads have worn too thin and need replacement as soon as possible. I remember one time I ignored it, and a few days later, the brakes started making a screeching noise, and the stopping power felt sluggish. Thankfully, nothing bad happened, but it gave me quite a scare. This light is triggered by sensors in the car that detect insufficient brake pad thickness. Ignoring it can lead to reduced braking performance, longer stopping distances, and increased accident risks. From my experience, once the light comes on, it's best to head straight to a professional repair shop for an inspection. They can quickly replace the pads, and the cost isn’t too high. It’s also a good habit to check brake pad thickness during regular maintenance to prevent the light from coming on in the first place—ensuring driving safety should always be the top priority.