How to determine the wear of Disc Brake Pads during use to ensure safety?

During the use of Disc Brake Pads, it is crucial to determine the wear and tear condition to ensure the safety of the braking system. The following are several common judgment methods:

Check the brake pad thickness visually. Generally speaking, the wear thickness of the brake pads should not be lower than the minimum thickness standard specified by the manufacturer (usually 3-4 mm). When the brake pad thickness is lower than the minimum standard, it needs to be replaced in time.
Observe whether the brake pads are evenly worn. If the brake pads are heavily worn on one side but less on the other, there may be a problem with the brake calipers, discs, or other components and should be inspected further.

Many brake pads are designed with wear indicators. When the brake pads are worn to a certain extent, the indicator will come into contact with the brake disc, causing a harsh metallic friction sound. This sound reminds the car owner that the brake pads are almost due for replacement.
If you hear other abnormal noises when braking, such as sharp grinding or banging sounds, it may be that the brake pads are unevenly worn, or the brake pads have been severely worn and need to be inspected and replaced.

When brake pads are worn excessively, braking effectiveness decreases significantly, braking distances increase, and the brake pedal may feel spongier or heavier. If the brakes feel insensitive or unresponsive during braking, it may be caused by worn brake pads and require timely inspection.
If your vehicle vibrates during braking (especially when braking), the brake disc or pad may have an uneven surface or excessive wear. At this time, you need to check the condition of the brake disc and brake pads.

Check for obvious signs of wear where the brake pad backing plate meets the brake caliper. If you find that the brake pads are worn close to the backing plate, it means that the brake pads are severely worn and should be replaced.

Check the brake system regularly, especially the wear of the brake pads every time the vehicle is serviced. Make sure you replace your brake pads before they wear down to a safe threshold.

Some modern cars are equipped with brake pad wear sensors. When the brake pads are worn to a certain extent, the sensor will trigger a warning light to light up to remind the owner to replace the brake pads in time.

Brake pads of different models may have different wear standards and replacement intervals. Refer to your vehicle manual for recommendations on brake pad maintenance and replacement, and follow the manufacturer's guidance.

Ensuring good performance of the braking system and timely replacement of severely worn brake pads are key measures to ensure driving safety.