Mastering the Art of Brake Pad Replacement: Common Sense and Essential Skills

The replacement cycle of brake pads and rotors is not fixed, which depends on the driving conditions of the vehicle, the frequency of the driver and the strength of the brake pedal. Generally speaking, the life of front brake pads is 30,000~50,000 kilometers, and the life of rear brake pads is 120,000~150,000 kilometers.

The best time to replace brake pads, the thickness of brake pads for disc brakes can be checked by stepping on the brake plate, while the thickness of brake pads for drum brake shoes should be checked by pulling the brake shoes out of the brake.

Every car owner should be concerned about when to replace their brake pads because safety is paramount. So how often is the best time to replace brake pads?

First, let's understand the basics of brake pads. Brake pads are friction pads mounted on the brakes that slow the vehicle by rubbing against the brake rotors. Over time, brake pads wear out and need to be replaced on a regular basis.

So how often is the best time to replace your brake pads? Generally speaking, brake pads should be replaced every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. However, this is only a general guideline and may not apply in all cases.

The exact replacement time also depends on several factors:

1. Driving style: Hard braking and frequent highway driving can cause brake pads​ to wear out faster. If you are a driver who likes to sprint and drive at high speeds, you may need to replace your brake pads more often.

2. Road conditions: Driving in mountainous areas, on congested city streets, or on roads with frequent braking will increase the wear on your brake pads. In these cases, you may need to replace your pads more often.

3. Brake pad material: There are many different materials on the market, such as metal, ceramic and organic materials. Each has a different wear rate and durability. Knowing the characteristics of the brake pad material you are using can help you better determine when it's time to replace your brake pads.

There are also some common brake pad wear indicators that you can use as a reference:

a. Brake pad wear indicator: Most modern vehicles are equipped with a brake pad wear indicator. When the brake pads are worn to a certain level, the indicator will emit a shrill screeching sound to remind you to replace your brake pads.

b. Brake pad thickness: You can tell if you need to replace your brake pads by measuring their thickness. If the pads are less than the minimum thickness recommended by the manufacturer, they should be replaced as soon as possible.

c. Brake Feel: If you feel a strange or shaky brake pedal when you apply the brakes, it may mean that the pads are worn to the point where they need to be replaced.

Overall, brake pad replacement time should be determined on a case-by-case basis and checked regularly. If you are unsure about when to replace your brake pads, it is recommended that you consult a professional auto mechanic or refer to your vehicle's owner's manual.

Finally, we remind you that you should never put off replacing your brake pads just to save money. A well-functioning braking system is one of the key factors in driving safety. Only by ensuring that the brake pads are in good condition can we stop in time.