Depending on the vehicle model, you may be able to see the outer pad by looking through the spokes of the wheel – the outer pad will be pressed against the brake disc. If you can hear a loud screeching sound when braking it's a real warning sign that new brake pads are needed, or at least the current ones require inspection. Ceramic pads tend to manage heat better than organic or semi-metallic pads and also are made of a more durable material. These will generally provide the best life. As mentioned earlier, driving habits will affect brake pad life. Disregarding this, pad life will primarily be related to the pad friction material as discussed in this article.

It may be tempting to buy cheaper parts to save on costs, however, the budget option may end up more expensive over time. Look out for quality pads that offer more value for money by avoiding the need to buy and fit replacements. Semi-metallic pads are harder than organic types and are fabricated of a more durable material. These will provide superior stopping performance and will last longer than organic pads. Although it fluctuates based on the type of road you’re on: the more miles you put in, the more you use your brakes and the faster your brake pads wear out. It's as simple as that. This measurement can be done without removing the wheels. The only caveat here is that the wheels must have openings large enough to be able to see and access the outer pad ends.Most drivers won’t have to worry about the temperature of their brakes, especially those that avoid heavy or sudden braking.

Organic brakes are perfectly suitable for smaller cars and a great option if you’re looking for something eco-friendly and easy on your discs, however, their shorter lifespan may not suit your needs.Your ideal brake pads will depend on your driving style and the conditions that you keep and drive your car in. You’ll need to consider the following: Material Ceramic brakes are perfect for high-performance, long-lasting and near-silent braking, but come with an expensive price tag. Operating temperature Services will assess the condition of brake pads but at other times, listen and look for the possible flaws mentioned below.

tighten the clamp– allow pressure in the system to escape by removing the top from the brake fluid reservoir – watch for overflowing liquid as you tighten the clampA vehicle used by a 5-person family is obviously heavier than say, one used by a couple – so stopping it in the same amount of time requires greater pressure and puts more strain on brake pads. Type of brake pads This is an absolute minimum and indicates pad replacement is required immediately. You should limit your driving and get your car to your favorite repair or brake shop as soon as possible. It will show on the car's display board to indicate that at least one set of pads is almost worn out and a replacement needs to be fitted. While braking, if the vehicle feels as if it pulls to one side, then it's likely that a brake fault exists. First, it’s worth noting that your driving habits will have a huge impact on the life expectancy of your brake pads and rotors. That said, all brake pads are not the same.

Although damaged brake pads often give off a screeching sound, perfectly good pads can also be noisy. Metallic pads tend to be the loudest, followed by organic pads. That’s because urban journeys require more stopping and starting at traffic lights, roundabouts and junctions – so your brakes are used far more often than when cruising along on a motorway. The weight of your car There should be at least 3mm of pad visible. If you see anything less, get the brake pads inspected. The second and more significant difference between brake pads is the material that is used for the friction segments. A variety of such materials are employed, and each type will yield different brake life and performance.It's worth taking into account the following factors to give you an idea of how long your brake pads might last. Where you drive If you want to avoid cleaning brake dust from your wheels, ceramic pads are your best option. However, they can prove expensive and you may want to go for organic brake pads that give off slightly more debris. Cost