What is the standard value for front brake pads?
4 Answers
The standard value for front brake pads is 14mm. The method for replacing brake pads is as follows: 1. Open the engine compartment to check the brake fluid level to prevent overflow during replacement; 2. Remove the wheel where the brake is located; 3. Remove the bolts of the brake caliper and take out the brake pads; 4. Install new brake pads and tighten the guide bolts. The reasons for brake failure include: 1. Impurities in the brake master cylinder or poor sealing; 2. Failure of the vacuum booster pump; 3. Dirty brake fluid; 4. Oil leakage from the brake master cylinder or wheel cylinder; 5. Air leakage from the air reservoir or pipeline interface; 6. Severe overload; 7. Carbonization of the brake drum; 8. Insufficient brake fluid in the brake master cylinder; 9. Wear of the brake master cylinder piston.
Last time I got my car repaired, I learned that the standard value for front brake pads is mainly the thickness. New ones are about 10 to 12 millimeters, and they need to be replaced when worn down to at least 2 to 3 millimeters. This value isn’t fixed and depends on the car model. For example, the manual for my small car states a minimum of 3 millimeters as the safety limit. Since I tend to brake hard, my pads wear out faster. I recommend you regularly measure the remaining thickness with a caliper, checking every six months or every 10,000 kilometers. Safety is the top priority—braking distance increases if the pads are below the standard value, which can lead to accidents, especially in rainy weather. For the exact value, it’s best to refer to your user manual or get a free consultation at a 4S shop, where they can measure it more accurately with professional tools.
I've been in the auto repair industry for several years. Typically, the thickness of new front brake pads ranges from 10-12mm, but they need replacement once worn down to 2mm. Many workshops recommend 3mm as the critical threshold for safety. In practice, I advise car owners to have mechanics perform a quick measurement during each service—excessively low values can damage rotors or even affect the entire braking system. Key factors include driving conditions: frequent stops and starts in congested urban areas accelerate wear, causing values to drop sharply. Don’t overlook the wear indicators—small grooves on the pads that emit squeaking sounds as a warning when wear reaches a certain level. In short, timely replacement at low values is far better than risking costly damage to save pennies.
As a driver who frequently travels long distances, I remind you that the thickness of new front brake pads is 10-12mm. For safety, don't wait until it's below 3mm to replace them. It's easy to measure yourself: just use a ruler to measure the pad thickness. A small measurement is no minor issue—it directly affects braking distance. On highways, even a few millimeters can make a critical difference in emergencies. My experience shows that gentle acceleration and braking can extend their lifespan, slowing down wear. Always refer to the manual for precise standards and prioritize safety.
