I believe that today my bloody brakes started to squeak, which probably means that pads need to be replaced. What I am wondering is how much time I have before I really have to replace my pads. The reason I am asking is that early next week I am driving to Toronto, which is about 1600 miles both ways, and am wondering whether I can make this trip on my old pads, or do I have to have them replaced before I leave? I have so little time to do this that I am really hoping that I can do this trip on the old pads. However, if you think that I should really change the pads, then I will have to find some time to do it this weekend. Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks.
Ta-ta, j.

Driving on a highway does not use any pad material, unless your calipers are broken. Pull off a wheel and check the pad thickness. The Volvo guys reccomend at least 3mm of material. I have gone to 1mm, but that is cutting it close.
When the pads are too thin, metal on metal will not produce a screech, but a scrunch! And then it is too late to save the rotor.
Besides, it only takes me about 1 hour to replace the front pads, and I am all thumbs.

Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi

Thanks for your reply. It sounds like I might wait until I come back from my trip. It is in the 20s here, and I don't relish playing with my car under these conditions.

Thanks.
Ta-ta, j.

have a nice trip