To check your brakes properly, you’ll need to inspect brake pads, brake discs, fluid levels, and brake lines for wear and damage. Regular brake inspection involves visual checks, measuring pad thickness, and testing brake pedal feel. This comprehensive process ensures optimal stopping performance and identifies potential safety issues before they become dangerous.
Tools and parts required
Before starting your brake inspection, gather the necessary equipment to perform a thorough check.
Parts needed:
- Replacement brake pads (if worn)
- Brake fluid for topping up
- New brake rotors (if damaged)
Tools required:
- Jack and axle stands
- Wheel removal tools
- Torch or mobile phone light
- Ruler or calliper gauge
- Clean cloth or rag
Safety precautions
Always ensure your vehicle is on level ground and the handbrake is engaged. Never rely solely on a jack – always use proper axle stands. Wear safety glasses when inspecting brake components to protect against debris. Allow brakes to cool completely before inspection, as they can reach extremely high temperatures during normal use.
Step-by-step brake inspection
Step 1: Check brake fluid level
Open the bonnet and locate the brake fluid reservoir, typically mounted on the master cylinder near the firewall. The reservoir should be translucent, allowing you to see the fluid level without removing the cap.
Check that the fluid level sits between the minimum and maximum marks. Low brake fluid often indicates worn brake pads or a potential leak in the system. The fluid should appear clear or slightly amber – dark, contaminated fluid requires immediate replacement.
Step 2: Test brake pedal feel
Sit in the driver’s seat with the engine off. Press the brake pedal firmly and hold it down. The pedal should feel solid and not sink towards the floor. If the pedal feels spongy or travels too far, this indicates air in the brake lines or worn components.
Start the engine and press the brake pedal again. With the engine running, the pedal should require less effort due to the brake servo assistance. A hard pedal with the engine running suggests servo problems.
Step 3: Inspect brake pads through wheel spokes
Before removing wheels, check brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes using a torch. Look for the brake caliper behind the wheel – you should see the brake pad material pressed against the disc.
Brake pads should be at least 3mm thick. If the friction material appears thinner than a £1 coin, replacement is necessary. Some pads have wear indicator slots that disappear when replacement is needed.
Step 4: Remove wheels for detailed inspection
Jack up the vehicle and secure it on axle stands. Remove the wheels to access the brake components properly. This allows for thorough inspection of pads, discs, and brake calipers.
With wheels removed, you can measure brake pad thickness accurately and inspect the entire braking system for leaks, damage, or excessive wear.
Step 5: Examine brake discs and drums
Inspect the brake disc surface for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear. Run your finger across the disc surface – it should feel relatively smooth. Deep grooves, cracks, or blue discoloration indicate overheating and require disc replacement.
For rear drum brakes, the inspection requires removing the brake drum. Check the drum interior surface and brake shoe lining thickness, ensuring both meet manufacturer specifications.
Step 6: Check brake lines and hoses
Examine all visible brake lines and flexible hoses for signs of corrosion, damage, or leakage. Pay particular attention to connection points and areas where hoses bend during steering movement.
Look for wet spots, rust stains, or crystallised brake fluid around fittings. Any signs of leakage require immediate attention, as brake system integrity is critical for safety.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many car owners make critical errors during brake inspection that can compromise safety or lead to unnecessary repairs.
Never ignore warning signs like squealing, grinding, or brake pedal changes. These symptoms indicate immediate inspection is needed. Avoid checking brakes immediately after driving – hot components can cause burns and may not show true wear patterns.
Don’t rely solely on visual inspection through wheel spokes. Proper brake checking requires wheel removal for accurate measurement. Failing to secure the vehicle properly with axle stands is extremely dangerous.
Avoid contaminating brake fluid by using dirty tools or cloths around the reservoir. Even small amounts of contamination can damage rubber seals throughout the brake system.
Professional tip: Always check brake components in pairs. If one side shows excessive wear, inspect the opposite side carefully as uneven wear often indicates suspension or brake system problems.
When should you check your brakes?
Regular brake inspection prevents dangerous failures and expensive repairs. Check your brakes every 6,000 miles or during routine servicing. However, certain symptoms demand immediate inspection regardless of mileage.
Squealing or grinding noises during braking indicate worn pads or damaged discs. A spongy brake pedal, increased stopping distances, or vibration through the pedal require immediate attention. Dashboard warning lights related to brakes should never be ignored.
Vehicles used for towing, frequent city driving, or mountainous terrain need more frequent brake checks due to increased wear rates. Similarly, high-performance vehicles require more regular inspection due to aggressive braking demands.
Our AutoPartsPro mechanics recommend: If you notice any change in brake performance, don’t wait for your next service. Early detection of brake problems prevents costly repairs and ensures your safety on the road.
Related maintenance you can do at the same time
While inspecting brakes, take advantage of having wheels removed to check other critical components that affect safety and performance.
Inspect tyre condition, including tread depth, sidewall damage, and uneven wear patterns. Check wheel bearings by grasping the tyre at 12 and 6 o’clock positions and rocking it – any movement indicates bearing wear.
Examine suspension components including shock absorbers, springs, and bushes for signs of wear or damage. Check CV joints and boot condition, particularly important for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
This combined approach saves time and ensures comprehensive vehicle safety checking. Many components work together, so problems in one area often affect others.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check my brakes?
Check brakes every 6,000 miles or during routine servicing. Inspect immediately if you notice any changes in brake performance, unusual noises, or warning lights.
What thickness should brake pads be?
Brake pads should be at least 3mm thick. Most manufacturers recommend replacement when pads reach 2-3mm thickness to prevent damage to brake discs.
Can I drive with worn brake pads?
Never drive with severely worn brake pads. This can damage expensive brake discs and compromise stopping ability, creating dangerous driving conditions for yourself and others.
Why do my brakes squeal?
Brake squealing usually indicates worn pads or contaminated friction surfaces. Some pads have built-in wear indicators that create noise when replacement is needed.
How do I know if brake discs need replacing?
Replace brake discs if they show deep scoring, cracks, excessive thickness variation, or blue discoloration from overheating. Professional measurement determines if discs are within service limits.
Regular brake inspection is straightforward with proper preparation and attention to detail. Following these systematic checks ensures your braking system maintains peak performance and keeps you safe on Britain’s roads. Remember that brake components work as an integrated system, so problems in one area often affect overall performance. When in doubt, consult qualified professionals who can provide expert assessment and quality replacement parts to maintain your vehicle’s stopping power.
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