You use your brakes every time you drive your car.  Brakes are the most used, and may be the most important, safety device on your car.  Therefore, car owners should check their brake discs and pads for damage and wear at least twice a year.  Checking your brakes can protect you, your family, and your passengers!

1) Remove your wheel if necessary.

You don’t have to remove the wheels on a lot of cars to visually inspect your car’s discs and pads.   Removing the wheel does make visual inspection a lot easier.  Ensure you use proper safety precautions when removing your wheels.

2) Inspect the Brake Disc

The side of the brake disc facing you should be shiny.  It may have some slightly visible lines caused by normal wear.  You want to look for any rough spots or visible grooves.   You may need to replace your brake discs if you find either.  Remember, brake discs should be replaced in pairs to ensure safe operation of you vehicle.

3)  Inspect the Brake Pads

The brake pad is facing the brake disc.  You may have to look up a little to inspect the brake pad.  It is important to be able to see the thickness of the pad.  You should replace your brake pads if they are less then 1/8 of inch thick.   An 1/8 of an inch is about the same thickness as two pennies stacked on top of each other.

4) Inspect your Brake Lines

Take a look at your brake lines while you are looking at your brake discs and pads.  Rubber brake lines should be soft and supple.  You should replace them if they are rigid and/or cracked.  Metal brake lines should be hard and not should not be corroded.

Need to replace your brakes?

Rent a bay at Self Serve Garage and replace your brake discs and pads yourself.  You’ll smile when you realize how much money you saved making your own repairs.