To determine if brake pads are worn, you can check their thickness, listen for unusual sounds, assess the braking performance, and pay attention to the warning light on the dashboard. New brake pads typically measure about 1.5 centimeters thick—when they wear down to around 0.5 cm, it’s recommended to replace them. You can use a tool like a caliper to measure precisely. If you notice a sharp, prolonged screeching noise during braking that doesn’t go away, it could indicate excessive wear and reduced braking efficiency. Additionally, if the brake pedal feels lower than usual, this may also signal significant pad wear. In some vehicles, the brake warning light illuminating is a clear indication that the brake pads need immediate inspection.

Observing the thickness is a fairly straightforward approach. In addition to using a precise caliper for accurate measurement, you can also shine a flashlight at a specific angle to inspect it more clearly. Take a close look at the remaining thickness of the brake pads on the inner edge of the wheel hub. If it’s not easy to measure directly, simply snap a photo with your phone and zoom in for a closer look. When you notice the thickness is approaching or falling below 0.5 centimeters, it’s time to take action—replace the brake pads promptly, as their braking performance will gradually decline at that point.

Listening to the sound is also a practical method. When brake pads wear down to a certain point, the metal pins inside will come into contact with the brake disc, causing a sharp, high-pitched squealing noise whenever you step on the brakes. This sound is clear and jarring—if it appears and doesn’t go away after a while, it’s highly likely that the brake pads have already exceeded their wear limit and need to be replaced immediately. Otherwise, braking performance could be compromised, posing a serious safety risk.

It’s also crucial to pay attention to how the brakes feel. If, during everyday driving, you notice that the braking performance during emergency stops is noticeably weaker than before—or if the brake pedal feels lower than usual, meaning it now requires more force and deeper pressure to achieve the same stopping power—you should promptly have your brake pads inspected and replaced, as this likely indicates severe wear.

As for paying attention to the dashboard warning lights, high-end vehicles typically illuminate a brake warning light on the dashboard when the brake pads are severely worn. This warning light acts like a thoughtful little guardian—once it comes on, it’s a clear signal to the driver that there may be an issue with the braking system, urging them to promptly inspect the brake pads.

In short, brake pad wear directly affects driving safety. By using these effective methods, vehicle owners can stay informed about the condition of their brake pads, ensuring peace of mind and keeping every journey safe.