When to replace brake pads
Brake pads wear gradually. Replacing them on time is cheap; waiting until they grind can ruin the rotors.
2-minute checkCheck: easy · Replace: moderateAvoids costly rotor damage
What you need
- A flashlight
Steps
- Listen for a high-pitched squeal when braking: many pads have a metal wear indicator that squeals when they're thin.
- Look through the wheel spokes at the caliper. If the pad material is thinner than about 3 mm (1/8 inch), it's time.
- Grinding, a pulsing pedal, or the car pulling to one side mean you should have the brakes checked right away.
- Replace pads in pairs on the same axle, and have rotors measured or resurfaced at the same time.
Tips: Brake fluid should be replaced every 2–3 years even if the pads are fine.
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