What is the standard thickness for brake pads?
3 Answers
A new brake pad typically has a thickness of around 1.5cm. Here is more information about brake pads: 1. The thickness gradually decreases with friction during use. Professional technicians recommend that when the visible thickness of the brake pad is reduced to about 1/3 of its original thickness (approximately 0.5cm), the owner should increase the frequency of self-inspection and be ready to replace it. Of course, due to wheel hub design, some models do not allow for visual inspection and require tire removal to complete the check. 2. Each brake pad has a raised indicator on both sides, with a thickness of about 2-3 millimeters. This is the minimum replacement limit for the brake disc. If the brake pad thickness aligns with this indicator, it must be replaced immediately. Therefore, when the brake pad thickness approaches this indicator, the owner should monitor it closely. However, accurate visual inspection without removing the tire is difficult. Currently, many models provide a warning light on the dashboard when the brake pads are too thin, making self-inspection relatively easier.
You know what? Brake pads as thin as a fingernail are a no-go! I used to measure these things every day when I worked as a mechanic. New brake pads are usually about 10-12 mm thick, and they must be replaced once they wear down to 3 mm. I always remind my customers that they should start preparing for a replacement when the thickness drops below 5 mm—otherwise, the brake rotors will get damaged. Using calipers gives the most accurate measurement, but here’s a trick: you can see the edge of the brake pad through the wheel spokes, and if it’s as thin as a coin, that’s the absolute limit. Once, I saw a driver push it all the way to 1 mm—the brakes were screeching like a banshee, and the rotor was gouged, costing them an extra 2,000 bucks to fix. I recommend checking them every 20,000 km, especially during rainy weather. Don’t wait for the warning light—by then, the metal backing is already sparking!
My old car had brake pad issues last year. The mechanic said normal thickness should be about fingernail depth, and anything below 3mm is like walking a tightrope. Actually, you don't need professional tools - I just crouch by the wheel with a flashlight to check if the metal backing plate and friction material boundary is clear. If it's worn down to just a thin layer, emergency braking distance can increase by half a car length! I remember once exiting a highway ramp with spongy brakes, and inspection showed only 2mm remaining. Now I've developed a habit of checking brake pads during seasonal maintenance. I recommend taking phone photos for reference, then comparing wear after six months. When replacing pads, have the rotors resurfaced too - it can extend their life by two years.
