Besides brake fluid, which needs to be changed regularly (within its shelf life), brake pads and brake discs (drums) are both wear parts. When wear reaches a certain level, they need to be replaced. Of course, brake discs and drums are wear-resistant products with a certain "lifespan." As for how many years and how many kilometers a set of car brake pads needs to be replaced, there is actually no strict shelf life for brake pads. As long as they are not worn to their limit, they can continue to be used. However, the quality of each brake pad brand is different, and everyone's driving habits and driving environment are different. Therefore, the replacement mileage will vary, even for the same car.
Generally speaking, new brake pads are about 1.5cm thick, and most manufacturers specify that the thickness of brake pads should not be less than 1.2mm. This means that when they approach this limit, the brake pads should be replaced promptly. According to feedback from most car owners, a set of brake pads can generally last for more than 30,000 kilometers. For safety, it is recommended to check the remaining brake pad wear after 20,000 kilometers. Brake pads must be replaced near their limit. Of course, if you find that the brakes are weak, you need to check the braking system promptly. This is caused by a quality problem with the brake pads. Therefore, choosing brake pads from reputable brands is essential to ensure braking performance.
As for brake discs, which offer higher durability, it's normal for them to last over 200,000 kilometers. Usually, replacing 3-4 pairs of brake pads will allow them to function normally. However, grooves may develop at the contact edges between the brake disc and the brake pads. If these grooves are far from the point where replacement is necessary, they can be machined for extended use. However, the machining cost will be tens of yuan, more than the cost of the discs themselves; replacing a complete set of brake discs for several thousand yuan is much more cost-effective.
