How to Check Brake Pads Without a Mechanic

Let’s face it: brakes aren’t the flashiest part of your car, but they’re definitely one of the most important. If your brake pads are worn down, you’re not just risking expensive repairs; you’re gambling with your safety and everyone else’s on the road.

But here’s the good news: you don’t always need a mechanic to know if your pads are past their best. With a bit of know how and a couple of basic tools, you can check your brake pads yourself, right on your driveway or in your garage. No pit crew required.

This guide will walk you through how to inspect your pads properly, what signs to look for, and when it’s time to get them changed.

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Why Brake Pads Matter

Your brake pads are the buffer between your brake discs (rotors) and the brake callipers. When you press the brake pedal, the pads squeeze against the spinning discs, slowing the wheels down.

Over time, this friction wears the pads down. If they get too thin, they’ll lose effectiveness, damage the discs, or even fail altogether. Not ideal when you’re barrelling down the M6.

That’s why regular checks, especially every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, are essential.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need a garage full of tools to check your brake pads. Just grab:

• A torch (LED or headlamp works best)

• A tyre wrench or wheel brace

• A jack and axle stands (your car’s own jack will do in a pinch)

• A tyre pressure gauge (optional, while you’re down there)

Note: If you’ve got alloy wheels with wide spokes, you might not even need to take the wheel off. But for a proper inspection, removing the wheel gives you a better view.

Step by Step: How to Check Your Brake Pads

1. Park Up Safely

Find a flat, well lit surface. Engage the handbrake and put the car in gear (or Park if it’s automatic). Chock the wheels if needed, safety first.

2. Loosen Lug Nuts

Before jacking up the car, slightly loosen the lug nuts (wheel bolts) on the wheel you’re inspecting. Don’t fully remove them yet.

3. Jack the Car Up

Use your car’s jack to lift the vehicle. Always consult your owner’s manual for the correct jacking point. Once it’s up, place an axle stand under the car for extra safety.

4. Remove the Wheel

Take the wheel off and set it aside. You’ll now have a clear view of the brake calliper, disc, and the edge of the brake pad.

5. Inspect the Pad Thickness

Look at the outer and inner brake pads. They’re the rectangular chunks of friction material pressed against either side of the disc.

What to look for:

• New pads are around 8 to 12mm thick.

• If they’re less than 3mm, it’s time for a replacement.

• Uneven wear between the inner and outer pad? That could mean the calliper is sticking.

Some pads come with a wear indicator slot, a groove down the middle. If that groove is barely visible or gone, it’s a sign the pad’s nearly finished.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Even without checking the pads physically, your car might already be dropping hints that something’s off with the brakes:

1. Squeaking or Squealing

A high pitched noise when braking could be the wear indicator scraping against the disc, designed to alert you before the pads are gone.

2. Grinding

A grinding noise is bad news. It means the pad material is completely worn away, and metal’s contacting metal. This can wreck your discs and send repair costs through the roof.

3. Spongy Pedal

If your brake pedal feels soft or travels too far before gripping, your pads might be worn, or there could be air in the brake lines.

4. Pulling to One Side

If your car veers when braking, one pad might be worn more than the other, or worse, a calliper could be seized.

What About the Rear Brakes?

Most modern cars have disc brakes on all four wheels, but some older or budget models still use drum brakes on the rear. These are trickier to inspect without removing the drum, which can be fiddly and rusted on tight.

If your car has rear discs, you can check them just like the front. If it has drums, listen for scraping sounds and feel for weak braking, both can indicate worn shoes inside.

Should You Replace Them Yourself?

Checking your pads is one thing. Replacing them is another. If you’re confident with a spanner and have the tools, changing pads isn’t rocket science. But there are risks if it’s done wrong, like poor braking or damaged discs.

If you do go DIY:

• Always replace both sides (left and right) at the same time.

• Use copper grease on the back of the new pads to reduce squeal.

• Torque the wheel nuts properly when refitting.

If in doubt, have a mechanic do the job. Pads are relatively cheap, it’s not worth gambling with brakes.

How Often Should You Check Brake Pads?

A good rule of thumb is to check them every 10,000 miles, or at least once a year. But if you do a lot of stop start city driving, carry heavy loads, or regularly drive in hilly areas, check more often.

Some modern cars have electronic brake pad sensors that alert you on the dash. Don’t ignore the warning, it means it’s time to act.

Final Thoughts

Your car’s brake pads are its unsung heroes. They wear out silently, without drama, until they don’t. By learning to inspect them yourself, you’re not just saving on garage visits, you’re also protecting your car, your wallet, and most importantly, your safety.

Don’t wait for the squeal or grind. Grab a torch, get your hands a bit dirty, and give your brakes a proper once over. Trust me, your future self (and your passengers) will thank you.

Mike Floyd

Senior Maintenance Editor, Car Care Column