Maintenance
How to check brake pads at home
You can check brake pad wear in minutes without removing the wheels — here is how.
📅 Aug 17, 2026
✔ Free guide
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The visual check
Through the wheel you can usually see the outer pad pressed against the disc. New pads have about 10–12 mm of friction material.
- 10–12 mm: new
- 5 mm: fine, keep an eye
- 3 mm: replace soon
- Below 3 mm or metal visible: replace now
Signs the pads are done
- A high-pitched squeal when braking (wear indicator)
- Grinding or scraping (metal on metal)
- A brake warning light on some cars
- Longer stopping distances
- Vibration or pull to one side
The noise test
Drive slowly in a quiet place and brake gently. A clean, firm stop is good. Squeal, grind or judder means the pads or discs need attention.
Questions about this guide
Briefly, to reach a garage — but the squeal means the pads are near the backing plate and the discs are at risk. Schedule replacement quickly.
It is common — the inner pad gets more force. Always inspect both inner and outer pad.