Brake pads are also called brake pads. In the braking system of a car, brake pads are the most critical safety component, and the quality of all braking effects is determined by the brake pads. Therefore, good brake pads are the protectors of both people and cars.

Generally speaking, the thickness of a new brake pad is around 1.5cm, and it gradually becomes thinner with continuous friction during use. When the thickness of the brake pads is only about one-third of the original thickness (about 0.5cm) when observed with the naked eye, the owner should increase the frequency of self inspection and be ready to replace them at any time.

The following three self inspection tips are some simple self inspection methods that allow car owners to check and diagnose minor vehicle problems even if they cannot replace or repair them themselves.

1. Check the thickness

The thickness of a new brake pad is generally around 1.5cm, and it gradually becomes thinner with continuous friction during use. Professional technicians suggest that when the thickness of the brake pads is only about one-third of the original thickness (about 0.5cm) when observed with the naked eye, the car owner should increase the frequency of self inspection and be ready to replace them at any time. Of course, some models do not have the conditions for visual inspection due to wheel hub design, and require tire disassembly to complete

Each brake pad has a raised mark on both sides, with a thickness of about two or three millimeters, which is also the limit for replacing the thinnest brake disc. If the thickness of the brake pad is already parallel to this mark, it must be replaced. Therefore, when the thickness of the brake pads approaches this mark, car owners need to observe and prepare at any time. However, it is difficult to accurately observe with the naked eye without disassembling the tires. Currently, many car models have a warning on the position of the instrument handbrake light when the brake pads are too thin, which is relatively easier for self inspection.

Small suggestion: There is no strict replacement interval for brake pads based on the driving environment and habits. Generally, replacement should be considered after driving for about 60000 kilometers. When the brake pads are found to be thin by naked eye observation, technicians should be required to inspect them during maintenance, because there will be errors in naked eye observation. Professional repair stations use calipers to be more rigorous than naked eye observation.

2. Listen to the sound

If there is a rustling sound of "iron rubbing against iron" while lightly braking, the brake pads must be replaced immediately. Because the limit markings on both sides of the brake pads have directly rubbed against the brake disc, it proves that the brake pads have exceeded their limit. When encountering this situation, it is necessary to cooperate with the inspection of the brake disc while replacing the brake pads. When this sound occurs, the brake disc is often damaged, and even if new brake pads are replaced, the sound cannot be eliminated. In severe cases, the brake disc needs to be replaced.

Tip: When you hear the sound of brakes, it's often already too late, and the brake discs may be damaged to some extent. The price of brake discs is much higher than that of brake pads, so it is recommended that you check the brake pads frequently to avoid damaging the brake discs.

3. Feeling the intensity

When the brake pads become thinner, our braking effect will be affected. At this time, we need to press the brake pedal deeper to achieve the braking effect that could be achieved with light pressure. The braking effect in the first half of the journey is significantly weakened, and many people feel that their brakes have become soft and they can't stop. At this time, we need to check whether the brake pads need to be replaced.

Small suggestion: This method is relatively abstract and may be difficult to grasp based on intuition, so it is important to develop a good habit of self inspection. In addition, a decrease in braking effect can lead to an increase in brake oil consumption, so it is important to check the condition of the brake oil while replacing the brake pads.