When do you need to replace your brake pads?

There's no set time or mileage for replacing brake pads, as it depends on a variety of factors, including driving habits, vehicle model, and operating environment. However, you can use the following methods to comprehensively determine whether brake pad replacement is necessary.

1. Intuitive Feeling During Daily Driving
This is the most direct warning sign. If you experience any of the following, you should immediately check your brake pads.
Listen for Sounds: Sharp, Grinding Sounds
Most brake pads have wear warning plates. When brake pads are worn to their limit, these plates will rub directly against the brake disc, producing a sharp, grinding, "squeaking" or "hissing" sound. This sound is often more noticeable when lightly applying the brakes, alerting you to the need for replacement.
Note: If you hear a dull, "squeaking" or "clicking" sound, it's possible that the brake pads are completely worn out, with the backing plate rubbing directly against the brake disc. This is a very dangerous situation and requires immediate inspection and replacement.

Feeling: Brakes feel softer and travel longer.
When you apply the brake pedal, you may feel less resistance and a longer pedal stroke (depth) than usual, requiring deeper application to achieve the same braking effect as before. This could be caused by thinning brake pads, but it could also be related to a brake fluid or brake system leak, requiring professional inspection.

Performance: Significant decrease in braking performance.
You may feel like you can't stop the car, and acceleration and braking distances are noticeably longer. Or, if you feel the car swerving (left or right) when braking, this could indicate a worn brake pad on one side.

Warning Lights: Dashboard Alarm
Many modern cars have brake wear warning systems. When brake pad wear reaches its limit, a specific warning light (usually an exclamation point in brackets or simply the word "BRAKE") will illuminate on the dashboard. If this light illuminates, visit a repair shop immediately.

2. Regular Inspection
Even if you don't experience any of the above symptoms, regular inspections are recommended; this is the most reliable method.
Checking the Thickness
New brake pads are generally around 1.5 cm (15 mm) thick. During Use: If, through the gap between the wheel hubs, you observe that the brake pads are only 1/3 of their original thickness (approximately 5mm), be vigilant and prepare for replacement.
Must Replace: When the brake pad thickness is less than 3mm, it must be replaced immediately. This is the most important, hard-to-understand indicator.

Check During Regular Maintenance: During every maintenance session (minor or major), have your mechanic check the brake pad thickness and the condition of the brake disc. This is the most worry-free and professional method.

3. Factors Affecting Brake Pad Wear Rate
Driving Habits: Frequent urban driving, sudden acceleration, and sudden braking (aggressive driving) will significantly shorten brake pad life. Gentle driving can extend their life.
Vehicle Load: Vehicles that are frequently fully loaded or pulling heavy objects will experience faster brake pad wear.
Usage Environment: Frequent driving on hilly slopes or in windy and dusty areas will also accelerate wear.
Front and Rear Position: Generally, front brake pads wear much faster than rear brake pads because the center of gravity shifts forward during braking, requiring the front wheels to provide greater braking force.