Inspection Check
Brake pad wear
New pad thickness is typically 10–12mm of friction material; replacement is usually advised at 3mm.
The MOT records a Major defect when the friction material is reduced to 1.5mm or less. The dashboard pad-wear warning light, where fitted, illuminates when the sensor wire is exposed — that is the latest point at which pads should be replaced, not the planned point.
A squeal under light braking that disappears under firm braking is typically the mechanical wear indicator scraping the disc — a sign the pads are at end of life.