How to Check Brake Disc Wear?

[AnnieLynn]

To know that some brake pads have a metal pin hidden inside the friction material. When the friction material wears down to a certain extent, the metal pin will come into contact with the brake disc. Generally, after driving 5,000 kilometers, it is necessary to check the brake pads and carefully inspect whether the thickness of the friction material is normal.

[LeKevin]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I primarily rely on visual inspection and hands-on experience to check brake disc wear. The first step is to park the car on level ground, remove the wheels, and carefully examine the brake disc surface for deep grooves or cracks; if there are noticeable unevenness or scratches deeper than one millimeter, it's time for a replacement. Then, I feel the thickness variation by hand—the original thickness is usually around ten millimeters, and wearing down to below eight millimeters becomes hazardous. I remember one time I neglected the inspection, and when braking, there was a sharp noise, the steering wheel shook violently, and I almost hit a tree. Now, I measure the thickness every 20,000 kilometers using a simple caliper and refer to the minimum value standard in the owner's manual. Safety is no trivial matter; timely detection of wear can prevent major repairs and save on additional costs for replacing brake pads. Once it becomes a habit, driving feels much more reassuring.

[Dave]

I enjoy doing my own car maintenance, and checking brake disc wear is my specialty. The steps are simple: first prepare a caliper and a jack, safely lift the car and remove the wheel, then directly measure the thickness of the thinnest area of the brake disc. Compare it with the wear limit in the car manual—if it's below 15% of the original thickness, replace it immediately. Also, check the surface finish for discoloration or pitting, which indicates excessive brake pad wear. Listening for unusual sounds during daily driving is crucial too; grinding noises often signal issues. I perform this check every six months—it saves money on professional services and extends the life of the brake discs. DIY is fun and cost-effective, so why not give it a try?

[SebastianRose]

Having worked in the automotive field for so many years, I recommend judging brake disc wear by thickness and appearance. Thickness is key: if the minimum measurement with calipers is below one-tenth of the original thickness, replacement is mandatory. Deep grooves, cracks, or irregular discoloration on the surface indicate uneven wear affecting braking performance. Pay attention to unusual noises or brake vibration while driving, as these can also signal issues. Regular inspections every 20,000 kilometers can prevent potential hazards. Keep it simple and straightforward—don’t overlook these small details.