Pad lifespan

[Mike lambert]

My question is if a pad still looks to be fine, and is cleaned on a regular basis, does the ability to cut or polish wear out?

[Mulehead]

Question has been here a while - I'd like to know as well. The pad cleaner i'm using is great and the pads look like new. What is the typical lifespan of a pad? Do LC Hydros last longer?

[Detailing by M]

In my experience if it works then it's working. Foam is foam no matter how much of it has fallen/worn off. As in if you cut the foam in half both pieces would still work.
So use then until they don't.
I like to replace mine when they look bad. I don't want to cause any damage with a bad pad so $12 for a new pad every once in a while is cheaper then guessing if a pad isn't good and screwing up a car with it. I've never screwed up a car with an older pad but never say never. So I err on the side of caution and replace then.

[spiralout462]

Question has been here a while - I'd like to know as well. The pad cleaner i'm using is great and the pads look like new. What is the typical lifespan of a pad? Do LC Hydros last longer?

In general closed cell foam like the Hydrotech would not last as long as open cell foam like LC flats, due to tensile strength.