When to change your brake pads — 5 signs to watch for
Squealing, longer stopping distances, a soft pedal: the warning signs that your brake pads need replacing, and what it costs.
Brake pads are a wear item — every driver replaces them eventually. The trick is catching them before they damage the discs, which turns a routine job into an expensive one.
The five signs
- A high-pitched squeal when braking. Most pads have a metal wear indicator designed to make exactly this noise.
- Grinding. This is metal on metal. Stop driving and book in immediately — you are now scoring the discs.
- Longer stopping distances, especially in the wet.
- A soft or spongy pedal, which can also point to a fluid problem.
- Vibration through the pedal under braking, often warped discs.
What we do
We measure remaining pad thickness on every service and photograph it for your report, so you always see the number rather than take our word for it.
Under 3 mm and we recommend replacement. Under 1.5 mm is a fail.
Book a free brake check and we will tell you honestly how much life is left.