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Your brakes are the one part of your car you never want to think twice about. Every time you press the brake pedal, you're relying on your pads and discs to do their job properly. So, knowing how to spot the signs of wear before they become a problem is crucial for the safety of you and other road users.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how your brake pads and discs work, the warning signs to watch and listen for when it's time to book your car in to have them changed.
Browse our range of high-quality replacement brake pads and brake discs to get your car back to its full stopping power.
What’s Included In This Article?
How long do brake discs and brake pads last?
Signs your brake pads and brake discs need changing
How Brake Pads And Discs Work
Your brake pads and discs are a critical part of your car’s braking system. Each wheel has a brake disc and a brake calliper that houses a pair of brake pads.
When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure in the calliper forces the brake pads against both sides of the spinning brake disc. The friction this creates is what slows your car down and eventually brings it to a stop.
How Long Do Brake Discs And Brake Pads Last?
Now that you understand how your brake pads and discs work, let’s cover their typical lifespan and when you should check them. Since the lifespan of your brake discs and brake pads depends heavily on your driving style, your vehicle's weight, and the roads you cover most, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
As a general rule, brake pads typically last around 20,000 to 70,000 miles and brake discs last around 50,000 to 80,000 miles, but you should aim to have both checked every 10,000 miles to make sure they’re in full working order.
Signs Your Brake Pads And Discs Need Changing
A Dashboard Warning Light
Once the brake pads reach the minimum thickness of 3 millimetres, a sensor will trigger the brake pad warning light on your car’s dashboard display, showing they need replacing.
A Loud Screeching Noise
This squealing or screeching is a warning sign that your brake pads have worn down to a critical level.
A Grinding Sound
This is a harsher, more metallic sound than the screeching, and usually means that the brake pads have worn away completely. If you notice this sound, stop driving immediately and get it looked at straight away.
Visible Damage Or Thinning
If you can see visible grooves or cracks on the brake disc’s surface, it can indicate a weakening of the discs or even fully worn brake pads.
Your Car Pulling To One Side
If it feels like your car veers to one side when braking, it can mean one disc or calliper isn't working as effectively as the other, so it's worth getting the whole system checked to find the exact cause.
Juddering Or Vibrating When Braking
A juddering or vibrating when braking could signal either unevenly worn pads or a warped brake disc, both of which require checking.
Longer Braking Times
If you’ve noticed it’s taking longer to stop, or the pedal feels like it needs more effort than usual to bring your car to a stop, worn brake pads could be the cause.
To help you keep your whole braking system in good shape, check out our additional guides, including advice on how to bleed your brakes to a complete brake maintenance guide.
FAQs
Are brake pads and discs checked as part of an MOT?
Yes, your brake pads, discs, and overall braking system are all assessed as part of your MOT to make sure they meet minimum safety standards.
Can I Drive With Worn Brake Pads?
While you technically can drive with worn brake pads, it’s highly recommended not to, because of the danger posed to you, your passengers and other road users. Worn pads reduce your stopping power and, if left too long, can damage your discs, turning a relatively cheap repair into a much more expensive one. If you notice any signs of worn pads, get your car checked immediately.
Should You Replace Pads And Discs Together?
Yes, it is highly recommended to replace both pads and discs together to ensure your safety and optimal braking performance.