what is toyota vts

Brake pad replacement should be determined based on a comprehensive assessment of wear level, mileage, and abnormal indicators. New brake pads are approximately 15 millimeters thick and must be replaced when worn down to 3-5 millimeters remaining (about one-third of the original thickness). Some models also require immediate replacement when the wear limit indicator is engaged. Front brake pads typically require replacement every 30,000-50,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads need replacement every 60,000-100,000 kilometers. However, mountain driving or frequent hard braking can reduce this interval by 20-30%. Metallic scraping noises during braking, a spongy pedal feel, or increased stopping distance indicate hazardous wear requiring urgent attention. For premium vehicles, replacement is necessary when the wear warning light activates (threshold: 2.5-3 mm) or dashboard alerts appear. Regular brake pad inspections are recommended during every 5,000-kilometer service, with more frequent checks in humid climates. Simultaneously monitor brake disc condition (recommended replacement: one disc per two pad changes) to maintain braking system performance. Opting for OEM or ceramic composite brake pads enhances durability and noise reduction.

The brake pad wear indicator is a safety warning device installed on the brake pads, designed to alert the driver when the brake pads have reached the critical thickness requiring replacement. When the friction material wears down to 2-3 millimeters, the metal sensing wire contacts the brake disc, completing a circuit and activating the warning light on the dashboard (typically displayed as a circle with a semicircular surround). Some premium vehicles employ electronic wear sensors that trigger alerts based on resistance changes. Notably, inner brake pads generally wear faster than outer ones. It's recommended to inspect thickness every 5,000 kilometers or upon hearing metallic grinding noises. Immediate replacement is required if remaining thickness falls below 4 millimeters. Excessive brake pad wear can increase stopping distance by over 30% and potentially damage brake discs, resulting in approximately 500-800 MYR in additional repair costs. Always use OEM-matched brake pads during replacement to ensure proper braking system compatibility. Special tools must be used to reset the brake caliper to prevent guide pin damage. If driving with an illuminated warning light, limit travel to under 300 kilometers and avoid hard braking to prevent brake system failure.

The lifespan of brake pads is typically 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers for the front wheels and 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers for the rear wheels. However, the actual wear rate is significantly affected by factors such as driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle load. Sudden braking, frequent braking, or driving in mountainous areas will accelerate wear, while smooth driving and highway driving can extend the service life. The material of the brake pads also plays a key role; ceramic brake pads are more wear-resistant than semi-metallic ones. It is recommended to check the thickness every 10,000 kilometers. When the remaining thickness is less than 3 millimeters or metallic friction noise occurs, immediate replacement is required. Some models are equipped with wear sensors, and the instrument panel will actively prompt for replacement. Note that long-term parking may cause aging of rubber components, so even if the thickness is sufficient, inspection should be performed after more than 5 years. Regular maintenance and reasonable driving habits are the core to ensuring braking safety.

To determine whether a brake disc is worn, a comprehensive assessment from multiple aspects is required. First, observe the thickness change: a new brake disc is approximately 1.5 cm thick, and it needs to be replaced when the wear reaches the edge mark (a reduction of about 2-3 mm) or when the total wear depth on both sides measured by a micrometer reaches 2 mm. Second, check the condition of the disc surface. Deep grooves, uneven wear, cracks, or deformation indicate potential safety hazards, particularly when brake pads are frequently replaced or the material is excessively hard, causing abnormal scratches on the disc surface. In terms of auditory cues, persistent harsh metal friction sounds when gently applying the brakes (excluding normal break-in noises) often indicate surface scratches or excessive wear. If the brake warning light illuminates on modern vehicle dashboards, or if vernier caliper measurements reveal wear indicator pits with a depth of 1.5 mm (corresponding to 3 mm total wear), immediate attention is required. Additionally, steering wheel vibration during braking or brake pad thickness below 1-2 mm suggests the brake disc may have reached its service limit. Professional inspection every 80,000-100,000 kilometers or during routine maintenance is recommended. A brake tester can precisely evaluate wear and flatness to ensure driving safety.

The average lifespan of brake pads varies depending on factors such as vehicle model, driving habits, and road conditions. Front brake pads typically last between 30,000 and 80,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads last around 60,000 to 120,000 kilometers. Driving habits have a significant impact on wear: frequent sudden braking or driving in congested urban areas shortens their lifespan, whereas smooth driving or high-speed driving can extend the service period. Vehicles with heavy loads or those driven in mountainous areas also experience accelerated wear. It is recommended to regularly check the thickness of the brake pads. New pads are approximately 1.5 centimeters thick; they should be replaced immediately when worn down to 0.3 centimeters or when an alarm is triggered (such as a metal friction sound or a dashboard warning). New energy vehicles may have longer brake pad lifespans due to the assistance of kinetic energy recovery systems. When replacing brake pads, it is advisable to choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) quality products and note that a 200-kilometer break-in period is needed to ensure braking performance. For safety, inspect the condition of the brake pads every 10,000 kilometers and promptly address issues such as abnormal wear or increased braking distance.