How do I know if my brake pads are worn out?

You can tell your brake pads are worn out by a few clear signs: a high-pitched squeal from the wear indicator, a grinding noise, a longer stopping distance, or a brake warning on the dash. Some vehicles also display a brake pad sensor alert. Visually, you can sometimes peek through the wheel spokes and see the pad thickness against the rotor. New pads start around 10 to 12 millimeters of friction material, and replacement is recommended near 3 millimeters. Once you hear grinding, the pads are likely gone and the rotors are at risk. The most reliable method is a direct measurement rather than guessing. At Motoro Cars, our free brake inspection measures your pad thickness precisely so you know exactly where you stand. Our ASE-certified techs in Wynwood and Doral can help. Call Wynwood at (786) 634-2002 or Doral at (786) 633-3220.