Why Check Brake Pads Regularly?

Brake pads wear down over time and eventually damage the rotor (disc) if not replaced, turning a $150 pad replacement into a $600+ pad and rotor replacement. Most brake pads last 30,000–70,000km depending on driving style and conditions. City driving wears pads faster than highway driving.

Visual Inspection Through the Wheel

  1. 1

    Look through the wheel spokes at the brake assembly

    Without jacking the car, look through the wheel spokes (open spokes, not hubcaps). You will see: a silver disc (the rotor), a metal caliper straddling it, and the brake pad pressed against the rotor visible on the outside face of the caliper.

  2. 2

    Assess the pad thickness

    The brake pad has a metal backing plate and a friction material (the pad itself) on one side. The friction material should be at least 3mm thick. For reference: a standard Australian 20-cent coin is about 2mm thick. If the pad looks thinner than a 20-cent coin, replacement is needed soon. New pads are typically 10–12mm thick.

  3. 3

    Look at the rotor surface

    While inspecting, check the rotor. A smooth, slightly shiny surface is normal. Deep grooves, scoring, or a pronounced ridge around the outer edge of the rotor indicate the pads have worn past safe limits and the rotor may also need replacement.

Warning Signs of Worn Brake Pads

  • Squealing or squeaking: Most brake pads have a wear indicator — a small metal tab that contacts the rotor and squeals when pads are low. This is intentional. Take it seriously.
  • Grinding noise: Metal-on-metal contact. Pads are completely worn. Stop driving and get immediate attention — rotors are being damaged with every stop.
  • Vibration when braking: Pads may be worn unevenly or rotors are warped.
  • Longer stopping distance: Noticeable reduction in braking effectiveness.
Get a professional inspection if unsureBrakes are a safety-critical system. If you are uncertain about what you are seeing or hearing, have a mechanic inspect them — most workshops do a free or low-cost brake inspection. At a minimum, have brakes checked annually with your vehicle service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every 30,000–70,000km depending on driving conditions and pad type. City driving with frequent stops wears pads significantly faster than highway driving. Aggressive driving style also accelerates wear. Check pads visually at every tyre rotation (every 10,000km or annually) or whenever wheels are removed. The squealing wear indicator is a reliable signal — when you hear it consistently, book a brake service within the next 1,000–2,000km.
Technically yes — brake pad replacement is a doable DIY job for someone comfortable with mechanical work. It requires jacking the car safely, removing the wheel, compressing the caliper piston, and fitting new pads. However, brakes are safety-critical and errors can be fatal. Unless you are confident and have done it before, professional replacement is strongly recommended. The labour cost is typically $80–150 per axle in addition to parts.