How to Check Brake Pads

What are brake pads?

Brake pads are small pads of high-friction material that are attached to the brake discs in a car. The brake discs are attached to the same axle as the car’s wheels, so they turn whenever the wheels turn. When the brake pedal is pressed, the pads are pressed against the brake discs. This stops the brake discs from moving, meaning that the axle cannot turn and the wheels no longer move – so your car slows down or comes to a complete stop.

Signs brake pads may be worn

Over time, brake pads can become worn due to the friction and heat that are generated when the pads are pressed to the brake disc. If they become fully worn out, they won’t be as effective at stopping the car. Here are some key signs that your brake pads may need replacing:

• The brake indicator light comes on. This is the same indicator that lights up when you have the park brake/handbrake on. If it’s lit up even when the handbrake is off, your brake pads may need replacing.
• A squeaking or squealing sound when you brake. When the brake pad material is nearly worn down, the edge of the brake pad can touch the brake disc instead, making a high-pitched sound when you hit the brakes.
• A grinding sound when the brakes are applied. This happens when the brake pad is fully worn away, and can damage the brake discs and make the problem more expensive to fix.
• Braking feels different to normal, or you notice a vibration when you brake. This can indicate something is wrong with your brake pads or discs.
• Brake performance is affected. If your car seems to take longer to slow down or stop, it might be due to a problem with the brake pads or discs.
• The car pulls to one side during braking: if the brake pads on one side are more worn than the other, this can happen.

How to check brake pads

Visually inspecting brake pads can be a useful indicator of how worn they are. However, if you’re concerned that your brake pads are worn or your car is showing any of the signs mentioned above, get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.
How to visually check brake pads:

• Park the car somewhere flat and put on the handbrake/park brake, leaving the car in neutral.
• Look through the spokes of one of the car’s wheels.
• Locate the brake discs – these will be centred around the middle of the wheel.
• Locate the brake pads, which will be adjacent to the brake discs.
• Inspect the amount of brake pad material remaining.

Visually inspecting your brake pads can be a useful way to check how worn they are, but it doesn’t guarantee that there’s no issue with the braking system of the car. It’s impossible to accurately measure the remaining material – or check the second set of brake pads that sit inside the visible ones – without removing the car’s wheels. Do not remove the wheels to check the brake pads without proper training and access to safe workshop conditions and tools. Instead, have the car looked at by a garage – they’ll also check this as part of your regular car service.

Brake pads are essential for safe driving, so it’s important to get them replaced when they begin to wear out. There are some key signs of brake pad wear to look out for, and you can get an idea of how worn they are fairly quickly and easily. If you think your brake pads may be getting worn out, always get them checked by a mechanic or garage.