What is the wear limit for brake pads?
2 Answers
Brake pad wear limit thickness should not be less than 1.2mm. The methods for determining brake pad wear limits are as follows: Empirical method: If the vehicle has traveled 40,000-50,000 kilometers without brake pad replacement, you can judge by the braking feel when applying the brakes. If the brake pedal feels soft, produces noise, or the braking performance seems less responsive than before, with significantly longer pedal travel compared to when the vehicle was new, it's recommended to check the brake pad thickness in this situation. Vehicle computer method: If the vehicle's brake pad warning signal is connected to the onboard computer, a "Please check brake pads" message will appear on the dashboard or the brake pad wear indicator light will illuminate. Generally, when these warnings appear, it indicates the brake pads have reached their wear limit.
The wear limit of brake pads is typically around 2mm, but it may vary slightly depending on the specific vehicle model. For example, Japanese cars might have a limit of 3mm, while German cars could be 1.5mm. Having driven for over a decade, I always ask the technician to measure the thickness during every maintenance service. If it falls below the limit, the braking becomes less responsive, leading to longer stopping distances or even failure. The wear limit is the minimum thickness at which brake pads can no longer be safely used, generally ranging between 1-3mm. The inspection method is simple: you can check through the wheel hub hole or use professional measuring tools. If you hear metal grinding noises, it's a clear sign they need replacement. Delaying replacement can also damage the brake discs, posing significant risks. Safe driving comes first, so developing a habit of regular checks ensures peace of mind and hassle-free driving.
