How to check brake discs and brake pads?

Published on : 22 January 20204 min reading time

Owning a car gives you a great deal of freedom and the possibility to move wherever you want. However, it is essential to take good care of your vehicle in order to drive safely. Here are a few tips to check the wear of your brake disc and pad. How to change them? We will explain it to you.

Brake disc and pad: how to check wear?

In order to drive safely, it is crucial to check the condition of your brake disc and pad, two components of the vehicle that affect braking. Also, equipment in good condition ensures greater safety. It is therefore essential to check their state of wear regularly.

The brake pad is the metal support that grips the brake disc and generates friction, allowing the wheel to slow down. Also, over time, they tend to wear and erode. They are then no longer able to brake the vehicle. The wear and tear of the braking system depends on the use of your car.

In the city, the system is used much more often than on the motorway, for example. In any case, it is strongly recommended to check the discs and pads every 10,000 kilometres. But then, how do you proceed? There are several methods to check the state of wear of your equipment:

– Your vehicle, if it is relatively recent, can tell you the state of wear of your brake disc and pad. Generally, when the brake fluid warning light appears on your dashboard, it would be a good idea to check these components.

– Visually checking your brake disc and pads is certainly the safest way to find out how worn they are. Do you notice any asperities, as well as a clearly visible edge on the disc? The pad lining is non-existent? In this case, you will have to consider replacing them.

Do you need to replace the brake system? It is possible to invest in brake discs and pads at AD, or any other car centre near you.

How to change your brake discs and pads?

When it’s time to replace your brake disc or pad, there are two solutions.

Go to a garage or dealership
If you have no knowledge of mechanics, in this case, contact a garage or dealership, preferably one you are used to visiting for the maintenance and overhaul of your vehicle. However, as you know, this maintenance operation can be very expensive. It is then possible to invest yourself in replacement components on the Internet, or in a car centre. In this way, you will be able to make some savings.

Our tip: Avoid second-hand disks and plates. After all, we have seen that the braking system is of the utmost importance for your safety. Investing in new components prevents unpleasant surprises.

Changing your own equipment

It is possible to change the discs and plates of your car by your own means. To do this, you will need a cleaner, to remove the grease deposited on the new equipment before the break, a jack, a suitable screwdriver, flat spanners, a hammer, a piston pusher and brake fluid. On the Internet, you will find tutorials like this one and other videos to guide you through the operation. You will also find a comprehensive list of all the equipment needed to consider replacing discs and pads.

In all cases, it is essential to read the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially regarding running-in. Indeed, the braking system is less efficient when new: the still smooth surfaces need to be slightly worn, in order to grip better and allow optimal braking.

Also, during the first 300 or 500 kilometres, it is necessary to adapt your driving style, by extending safety distances and avoiding sudden braking. This will also prevent you from wearing out your brakes prematurely.

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