Brake pads and rotors are an essential part of your vehicle’s braking system. Over time, they wear down and need to be replaced for optimal safety and performance. In this article, we will guide you on how to check your brake pads and rotors yourself, so you don’t waste money changing them too soon. We’ll specifically focus on the Honda CRV and provide step-by-step instructions to ensure accurate results.

Key Points:

  • Visually inspecting your brake pads is the first step to determine if they need to be replaced.
  • Some cars have good access to see the caliper and rotor, making it easier to inspect the pad depth.
  • If the pad material cannot be seen from the outside, you can check it from the backside of the wheel.
  • A trick to inspect hard-to-reach spots is to use your phone’s camera to get a closer look.
  • In some cases, the wheel needs to be removed to see the pads through vents or by taking off the caliper bolts.
  • It is essential to check both sides of the vehicle, as brake pads can wear unevenly.
  • Rotor condition should also be considered, but as long as the rubbing surface is in good shape, there is no need to replace them.
  • Brake pad thickness can vary, but it is generally safe to drive with 2-3 millimeters of pad material remaining.
  • Factors such as driving conditions, pad quality, and personal preference can influence the decision to replace brake pads.
  • Regularly inspecting your brakes allows you to make informed decisions based on wear and condition.

To start the inspection, look for any signs of noise, such as squealing or scraping, coming from the wheel. While these sounds can indicate brake pad wear, they can also be caused by other factors. There is a great video on Budget Mechanic’s channel that explains different sounds cars can make, which can help identify the source of the noise.

The next step is to visually inspect the brake pads. Some vehicles have easy access to see the caliper and rotor, allowing you to check the pad depth. Look for the area where the pad touches the rotor and measure the thickness of the pad material. In the case of the Honda CRV in the video, the access was limited, so an alternative method was needed.

The backside of the wheel provides an opportunity to inspect the brake pads. To access this area, the car needs to be lifted up on blocks, and the wheel should be turned, so the caliper is sticking out away from the car. By sliding under the vehicle, you can try to see the contact point between the pad and rotor on the backside of the caliper. If necessary, use your phone’s camera to get a closer look at hard-to-reach spots.

In some instances, removing the wheel becomes necessary to inspect the pads properly. Once the wheel is off, the pads can be seen through vents or by removing one or both caliper bolts to move the caliper out of the way. The face of the pad material can also be examined for any signs of cracking or overheating, which may require replacing the pads.

Keep in mind that brake pads can wear unevenly, so it is crucial to check both sides of the vehicle. In the case of the Honda CRV, one side had significant wear, while the other side had more remaining pad material. Checking both sides helps ensure consistent and safe braking performance.

When it comes to brake pad thickness, there is no set rule, but certain guidelines can help you make an informed decision. Most mechanics will recommend replacing brake pads at around 4-5 millimeters, considering liability and the assumption that people are not checking their own brakes. However, with personal inspection and careful consideration of your driving conditions, you can safely continue driving with 2-3 millimeters of pad material.

Rotor condition is also crucial to maintain effective braking. While mechanics may recommend replacing rotors with new pads, it is not always necessary. As long as the surface where the brake pad contacts the rotor is in good shape, with no rough edges, pitting, or significant wear, the rotors can still be used.

It is important to note that the decision to replace brake pads and rotors depends on several factors and varies from person to person. Driving conditions, the quality of brake pads, and personal preferences all play a role in this decision-making process. Regularly inspecting your brakes and being familiar with how quickly they wear can help you determine the right time for replacement.

In conclusion, checking your brake pads and rotors is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance. By visually inspecting the pads and considering the condition of the rotors, you can make informed decisions about when to replace them. Remember to check both sides of the vehicle and take into account various factors such as driving conditions and pad quality. By being proactive and knowledgeable, you can ensure your Honda CRV’s braking system is safe and efficient.

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