How to Check Brake Pad Wear Without Removing the Tire?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to check brake pad wear without removing the tire: 1. Generally, brake pads have wear indicators that protrude about 3 millimeters. If the brake pad wears down to the height of the indicator, it will contact the wear indicator, triggering an alert. The car's dashboard will then illuminate a warning light, indicating that it's time to visit a shop for inspection and replacement. 2. The wear level of brake pads can also be judged by feel. If you notice that the brake pedal feels lighter when pressed. 3. If you feel that braking requires more effort or the car doesn't stop effectively, it indicates severe brake pad wear with insufficient thickness, requiring immediate replacement. 4. Tilt your line of sight at a 15° angle to the plane of the wheel hub and look into the gap between the brake pad and brake disc. This allows you to observe the wear level of the brake pad. A healthy brake pad should be about 1 centimeter thick.
As an ordinary car owner who frequently performs my own vehicle maintenance, I can share some practical tips. To check brake pad wear without removing the tires, the method is quite simple: First, after parking and turning off the engine, squat down and carefully observe the gap between the wheels. If you can still see the thickness of the brake pads—new ones are typically about 10mm thick—they should be replaced when worn down to 3mm or less. I usually use my phone's flashlight to get a clearer view. Second, pay attention to braking sounds while driving. If you hear sharp squealing noises, it might be the wear indicator touching the rotor, indicating an urgent need for inspection. Third, be mindful of the brake pedal feel during normal driving. If it feels softer than usual or has a longer travel distance, this also suggests significant wear. Performing these checks regularly can prevent sudden issues, especially before long trips, saving you the expense of a shop visit. In short, staying attentive with your eyes, ears, and senses helps detect potential risks early, ensuring safer driving and extending your car's lifespan!
