Servicing your cars brakes generally consists of just replacing the brake pads. However, far too many people let their brakes go for too long before they actually replace them. Determining the level on your brake pad is relatively easy and isn't really something that should be left to chance.

The easiest and most noticeable way to determine if your vehicle requires new brake pads is if your brakes have wear indicators, which most do. A wear indicator is a piece of metal that is attached to disc brakes, which will contact the disc after enough of the brake pad material is worn away. Once this wear indicator touches the brake, you will begin to hear a squeeling noise whenever you hit the brakes. If not replace shortly after this begins, sometimes the wear indicator can be damaged or will break off. When this happens. you will no longer hear the reminder and you will have to remember to check your brakes manually.

In order to check your brakes manually, there is an inspection opening in the caliper of your brake system. By peering through this hole, you can look at the tread levels on your brake and make a determination on whether or not they need to be changed. If they look really light, then you should definitely take them in to have them inspected by a professinal. Many places will perform this service for free. The replacement of brake pads is relatively cheap, but depends upon the type of vehicle that you have.

Learn more about this author, Clacky McSnackins.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about When to service your car's brakes?
We want to hear your view. Write now!