When Should You Replace Brake Pads?
It’s important to know when to replace your brake pads to ensure your safety on the road. Brake pads are the friction material that presses against the brake rotor when you press the brake pedal, which allows your vehicle to slow down or stop.

As you use the brakes, the friction material on the brake pads gradually becomes thinner. When the remaining thickness of the friction material is about 4 mm or less, it’s time to replace the brake pads.

So, how can you tell when it’s time to replace them?

Manufacturers typically use one of two methods to alert drivers that their brake pads need to be replaced. The first method is the mechanical method, which is the most common. The second method is the electronic method, which is typically used in modern cars, especially high-end vehicles.

1- The mechanical method – Article: Replace Brake Pads

A comparison of a new brake pad (in red) and an older one (on the left) is shown below, showing clearly the difference between the friction material in the two pads.

You can also notice a metal part, indicated by the arrow, that is adjusted carefully. When the thickness of the friction material becomes too low, this metal part will touch the brake rotor each time you use the brakes, causing a squealing sound to alert you to replace the pads. Sometimes, other factors like dirt on the surface of the brake pads or poor quality brake pads material can also cause the squealing sound, in such cases, cleaning or sanding can help, or replacing them with high-quality brake pads.

2- The electronic method

Manufacturers may also attach a sensor to the brake pad, which sends a signal to the vehicle’s control unit when the pads are worn. The control unit will then display a notification sign on the dashboard or instrument panel to alert the driver to replace the pads.

In either case, it’s important not to ignore these signs, as worn brake pads can be dangerous, leading to decreased braking efficiency and even damage to the rotors, which can be much more expensive to replace.

On average, brake pads should be replaced between 12,000 to 25,000 miles (20,000 to 40,000km), depending on how you use your brakes and the quality of the brake pads.

It’s important to take care of them to ensure your safety on the road. always keep an eye on the pads and replace them when necessary.