Brakes: Disc pad replacement...

[CanAm]

I suspect I have one of the "higher-miler" TDI autos on this board.

Km reading now at 50k odd and although there's no problem in the brakes department at the moment, I am planning a very long trip and I'm curious as to how much the pads have worn.

What is the average km at which it gets changed?

I know driving style and urban/country driving are major factors , but will the auto box also reduce pad life?

Your take/experience on this?

[gerhard]

I'd be inclined to measure the pad thickness to see how much is left, and measure the rotors too.

50k in an auto tiguan could well mean the pads are worn out, but your warning light will come on when the pad wear circuit is broken.

Autos will almost always use more brakes than manuals.

[Transporter]

You should be able to visually check them without removing the wheels and as gerhard said indicators will let you know. I did another 20,000km in my T5 on pads after indicators came on and still had 2mm friction material remaining. Be prepared to replace rotors as well as they may be under the min. thickness limit (it should be casted or stamped somewhere on the rotor).

[CanAm]

Thx, I'll have it checked out. AutoMotion Maintenance Plan, so what the heck...