Q

Are autonomous cars safe?

The safety of autonomous vehicles is a complex issue that requires multi-dimensional evaluation. Currently, models equipped with L2-level intelligent driving assistance systems have made significant progress in the local market. For example, Proton e.MAS 7, with its Shield Short Blade Battery and ADAS system, has obtained a five-star certification in the ASEAN NCAP test, with its adult safety protection score nearly perfect. The all-new Proton SAGA has become the first model in ASEAN to pass the CMR motorcycle safety certification, and its functions such as AEB and LDW have undergone localized calibration, optimizing the false trigger rate for typical road conditions like irregularly shaped tunnels and mixed motorcycle traffic. However, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang clearly pointed out that the implementation of fully autonomous driving (L3 level and above) still faces challenges in regulations and liability attribution, making commercial operation difficult to achieve in the short term. Current technologies focus more on improving the reliability of ADAS through multi-sensor fusion and AI algorithms. For instance, Zhixing Technology has conducted tens of thousands of kilometers of actual tests to adapt to right-hand drive and local traffic habits, while the intelligent campus autonomous vehicle evaluation framework developed by UMPSA emphasizes the importance of physical testing and localized adaptation. Overall, existing autonomous driving technologies have demonstrated high safety in limited scenarios, but full-scale deployment still requires improvements in the legal framework and further technical validation. Consumers can prioritize models that have passed ASEAN NCAP certification and are equipped with mature ADAS functions.
Special Disclaimer: This content is published by users and does not represent the views or position of PCauto.
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Latest Q&A

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When brake pads need replacement, vehicles usually alert the driver through multiple signals. The most obvious sign is a sharp metal scraping noise during braking, which directly results from the wear indicator contacting the brake disc, indicating the brake pads are severely worn to their limit and require immediate replacement to prevent brake disc damage. If the brake pedal's travel becomes noticeably longer or feels softer with reduced braking force, this may be due to excessively thin brake pads or insufficient brake fluid, necessitating prompt inspection. The illumination of the brake warning light on the dashboard (such as an exclamation mark in parentheses ⓘ or the "BRAKE" indicator) is the vehicle computer's explicit replacement command and should not be ignored. Additionally, vehicle pulling during emergency braking or persistent "grinding" noises when lightly applying the brakes both signal that the brake pads' friction material is nearly depleted. Regular inspection of brake pad thickness is advised. New pads measure approximately 1.5 cm thick and should be replaced when worn down to 5 mm (about one-third of original thickness) or when level with the wear indicator. Front brake pads typically require priority inspection every 30,000-40,000 kilometers, while rear pads, though longer-lasting, still demand attention. Upon noticing any of these warning signs during daily driving, immediate brake system servicing is essential to ensure safety and reliability.
OceanblueOceanblueFeb 5, 2026
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What does it sound like when brake pads need replacing?
When brake pads require replacement, a distinct metallic friction sound will occur. This sharp and piercing "hissing" noise is particularly noticeable when lightly applying the brakes, resulting from direct contact between the wear indicator and brake rotor after the pads have worn down to their limit. Simultaneously, the brake pedal will feel softer with increased travel distance, requiring deeper depression to achieve normal braking force. Some vehicle models may illuminate a dashboard warning light featuring either an encircled exclamation mark (ⓘ) or the "BRAKE" indicator. Regular inspection of pad thickness through wheel spoke gaps is recommended. New pads measure approximately 15mm thick, requiring immediate replacement when worn down to 3mm or one-third of their original thickness. Front brake pads typically require thorough inspection every 30,000-40,000 kilometers, while rear pads generally last longer. Ignoring these warning signs may not only damage costly brake rotors but could also compromise braking performance, creating safety risks with potential repair costs exceeding RM2,000. During normal operation, extended stopping distances or vehicle pulling during hard braking should prompt immediate brake pad inspection.
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Is it easy to change brake pads myself?
Replacing brake pads on one's own is feasible for car owners with basic mechanical knowledge and tools, but it is necessary to comprehensively consider vehicle model differences, operational complexity, and safety risks. For small sedans, due to their thinner brake pads and simpler wheel hub design, the replacement difficulty is relatively low; usually, it can be completed just by removing the tires and loosening the caliper bolts. However, for SUVs or high-performance cars, the operational threshold is higher because their brake pads are thicker or require special tools. Before replacement, it is necessary to check whether the remaining thickness of the brake pads is less than 5 millimeters (or 1/3 of the original thickness). If abnormalities such as metal friction noise or a soft brake pedal occur, immediate action is required. During operation, attention should be paid to details such as caliper resetting and bolt torque. After replacement, a break-in period of 200 kilometers is needed, and sudden braking should be avoided. If one lacks experience or tools, it is recommended to choose a professional repair shop, as improper installation may lead to uneven braking or caliper damage, affecting driving safety. Check the wear status of brake pads regularly every 5,000 kilometers. Combining this with driving habits (for example, frequent braking in urban areas may shorten the replacement cycle to 30,000 kilometers, while high-speed driving can extend it to 80,000 kilometers) can help more accurately determine the optimal replacement time.
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How often should I replace my car brakes?
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