When Should Car Brake Pads Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Car brake pads need to be replaced after driving 80,000 kilometers. The method for replacing brake pads is as follows: 1. Remove the wheel where the brake is located; 2. Remove the bolts of the brake caliper and take out the brake pads; 3. Install new brake pads, tighten the guide bolts, and complete the replacement. The working principle of car brake pads is to convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy through friction between the brake pads and the brake drum, as well as between the tires and the ground, thereby stopping the car. The maintenance methods for car brake pads include: 1. Avoid sudden braking; 2. Reduce the frequency of braking; 3. Regularly perform wheel alignment; 4. Pay attention to the break-in period after replacing brake pads.
I remember driving for half my life, and when the brake pads needed replacement, the signs were unmistakable. A continuous squeaking sound when braking is the wear indicator alerting you; or the brake pedal feels soft, requiring a deeper press to stop the car; sometimes, the dashboard warning light illuminates, signaling the system has detected insufficient thickness. It's recommended to check every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers—use a caliper to measure the thickness, and replace immediately if it's below 3mm. Otherwise, continued use can damage the brake discs, doubling the repair costs. Before parking, try an emergency stop to test if the response feels sluggish; safety first, don’t wait until you’re on the edge of an accident to act. Regular maintenance is part of smart driving.