When Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
3 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the lifespan of brake pads is approximately 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. The following situations indicate that brake pads need replacement: 1. Thickness: Typically, a brand-new set of brake pads is about 1.5cm thick. When visual inspection reveals the thickness has worn down to less than 0.5cm, replacement is necessary. 2. Sound: If a metallic scraping or hissing noise occurs when braking, the brake pads must be replaced immediately. 3. Pressure: If you notice significantly increased pedal effort or need to depress the brake pedal deeper than usual to achieve normal braking performance, this indicates the brake pads have essentially lost their friction and require immediate replacement.
As an ordinary person who has been driving for twenty years, I remember the key indicator for replacing brake pads is when the thickness drops below 3mm – too thin will increase braking distance and make accidents more likely on highways. During every maintenance check, I ask the technician to measure it or use a small tool to check myself. Hearing that annoying metallic squealing sound is a strong warning signal. Another sign is when the brake pedal feels spongy and less responsive than before – that's when you need to act immediately without delay. After exceeding 50,000 kilometers, you should also be extra vigilant – don't wait until they're completely worn out before replacing them. Last time I procrastinated for a few days and almost rear-ended someone – safety really can't be taken lightly. Actually, regularly inspecting the edges of your brake discs yourself is also effective – it saves money, gives peace of mind, and protects lives.
I commute a lot in the city and drive frequently, so I'm very sensitive to brake pads. The most obvious warning sign is unusual noises—like a sharp metallic grinding sound, indicating the pads are completely worn out. Braking performance also becomes problematic, such as when the pedal travel feels longer by half before any response. When the thickness drops to around 3 millimeters, it's time to take action. I recommend starting inspections at 30,000 kilometers and not delaying beyond 70,000. Every time I wash my car, I take a quick glance at the brake components—this way, early detection allows for timely replacement. Safety always comes first, especially when driving with family on board—one accident could lead to lifelong regret. Prevention is better than repair, so I always share these tips in my friend groups.
