The importance of a car's braking system goes without saying—every vehicle owner should already understand this clearly, as any issues that arise can become quite troublesome to address later on. Typically, a braking system consists of components like the brake pedal, brake booster, brake warning light, parking brake, and brake discs. Any malfunction in these parts deserves immediate attention. Take brake pads, for instance: while they don’t need replacing too often, it’s crucial to pay close attention to mileage or replacement intervals. Delaying replacement for too long can significantly compromise their performance. So, how often should brake pads be replaced—and is it really necessary to stick with original manufacturer parts? Many drivers aren’t entirely sure, so let’s dive into the details today.

While brake pad replacement is closely tied to mileage, the two aren’t directly proportional. In other words, several other factors also influence how often brake pads need replacing—such as a driver’s driving habits and the vehicle’s operating environment. For most average car owners, brake pads typically last between 25,000 and 30,000 kilometers before needing replacement. However, if you have good driving habits (e.g., avoiding harsh braking) and mostly drive in smooth road conditions—for instance, using your car primarily for daily commutes—you can safely extend the replacement interval slightly. In fact, there are a few practical methods owners can use to determine whether their brake pads are ready for replacement.

First, you can check the thickness of the brake pads. Brand-new brake pads are typically about 15 millimeters thick, but over time, the rear brake pads will gradually wear down and become thinner due to friction. If you notice that the brake pads have worn down to roughly one-third of their original thickness—about 5 millimeters—you may want to consider replacing them.

Secondly, you can also gauge the wear level of your brake pads by gently applying the brakes. If, during normal driving, pressing the brake produces a squeaking sound—similar to the friction between two metal surfaces—it’s a clear sign that the brake pads are already quite worn and need replacing as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk experiencing complete brake failure. Of course, this method is somewhat more challenging than simply checking the actual thickness of the brake pads directly, since other noises—such as wind noise or tire noise—are often present while the car is in motion. These extraneous sounds can easily mask the subtle squeak produced by the brake pads when braking. Additionally, for experienced drivers who’ve developed a keen sense of their vehicle’s handling, they may rely on the feel of their foot pressing the brake pedal. If the pedal feels soft, spongy, or requires significantly more effort to depress, and if the stopping distance noticeably increases, it’s another strong indicator that the brake pads should be replaced without delay.

So, is it necessary to choose OEM brake pads when replacing them? Actually, not necessarily—what matters most is the quality and performance of the brake pads. As long as these two criteria are met, any brand will do. Additionally, when replacing brake pads, pay close attention to their coefficient of friction. If it’s too high, it could easily lead to wheel lockup; if it’s too low, braking effectiveness may suffer. Opt for a balanced friction level instead. Of course, don’t overlook comfort either. For instance, some brake pads produce significant noise when pressed, while others might even emit smoke, strange odors, or excessive dust. Clearly, these types of brake pads aren’t up to standard and should be replaced as soon as possible.