Brakes are an important safety device on your car. As most all vehicle brakes are disc brakes, they are much easier to check and change than the old drum and shoe brake system. You should check your brake pads and discs at least twice a year to insure that they are in good order and are serviceable. On many vehicles you can inspect the brakes without removing the wheel. If your car wheels have spaces in the middle you can just look through the hole at the brake pads and disc to check their condition.

If you can’t see through the wheel then the wheel will have to be removed to have a clear view of the brake pads and disc. To remove the wheels first jack the car off the floor and install a jack stand. Never work on a jacked vehicle that is not on a jack stand.

Checking the Brake Pads:

The brake pads are mounted between the brake calipers and brake disc. Inspect the pads by following the surface of the disc to the top of the caliper and you will see the outside of the pads touching the disc, one on the inside of the disc and one on the outside of the disc. If there is 1/8" or less remaining on the pad the brake pads should be replaced. Brake Disc

Brake pads are replaced in set, the front wheel pads or the rear wheels at the same time. They are inexpensive and are quite easy to replace. An indication that the brake pads are worn to the limit is if you have a brake squeal when you apply the brakes.

Checking the Brake Disc:

The disc should be shiny and worn fairly uniform. Slight lines in its disc this is normal wear, however if there are rough spots or pronounced grooves in the disc they should be replaced. Brake discs should always be replaced in pairs. A sure indication that the discs are excessively worn is if your brakes seem to waver when you put the brakes on hard.

While you are checking the brake discs and brake pads check the brake lines too. The rubber coated lines should be soft and supple with no cracks and ridges. If you see cracks in the flexible rubber brake lines they should be replaced. If the hard metal lines are severely corroded they will eventually fail so they should be replaced immediately.

That is all there is to checking your brake pads and brake discs. Do it often and drive safely.

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