When Should Car Brake Pads Be Replaced?
2 Answers
The following situations indicate that car brake pads should be replaced: 1. Generally, front brake pads should be replaced at approximately 30,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads should be replaced at around 80,000 kilometers. Of course, this is just a general guideline. Depending on each individual's driving habits and the differences in each vehicle's braking system, the replacement time should be determined based on the degree of wear. However, it is best not to exceed these mileage figures. 2. When visual inspection shows that the thickness of the brake pads has worn down to less than 3mm, they should be replaced. New brake pads are approximately 1cm thick. When the wear thickness reaches 3mm, the brake pads need to be replaced. 3. Some brake pads come with a groove, and when the wear reaches this groove, they need to be replaced. 4. If you hear a metal-on-metal grinding sound from the wheels, this indicates that the brake pads are completely worn out and must be replaced immediately. However, most modern vehicles are equipped with a warning system. When the wear reaches a certain level, the dashboard will automatically issue a warning to prompt the replacement of the brake pads.
I've been driving for many years and believe the key to changing brake pads lies in daily observations—when you hear squeaking sounds like a mouse while braking, it means the friction material is worn out and the metal backing is rubbing against the rotor as a warning; or if you noticeably feel longer braking distances or inadequate stopping power in the rain, that's seriously dangerous. Also, visually inspect them—if the thickness is less than 3mm, it's time for replacement because anything thinner risks damaging the brake rotors, doubling your repair costs. I prefer checking my wheels every two to three months myself, using my phone's flashlight to photograph and measure the thickness. Frequent city traffic accelerates wear, so early action prevents major overhauls. Safety comes first—timely replacement avoids accidents and maintains stable handling.
