To check your brake pads, you can use these methods:

1. Visual Inspection Without Removing the Wheel

• Look through the holes or spokes of your wheel to see the brake pads pressed against the rotor.
• Use a flashlight for a better view.
• Measure the thickness of the brake pad material; if it’s less than about 4 millimeters (or roughly 20% pad life left), it’s time to replace them.
• Some pads have a metal wear indicator tab-if it’s touching or close to the rotor, replacement is needed

2. Remove the Wheel for a Closer Look

• Safely jack up the vehicle about 6 inches off the ground on a level surface.
• Unscrew the lug nuts and remove the tire.
• Inspect the brake pads directly; again, less than 4 mm thickness means replacement is due.
• This also lets you inspect the caliper, rotor, and brake lines for any issues

3. Recognize Symptoms of Worn Brake Pads

• Brake pedal vibration when pressed can indicate warped rotors caused by worn pads.
• A brake warning light on the dashboard signals brake system issues.
• Grinding or squealing noises when braking.
• Reduced braking ability or a spongy brake pedal feel.
• Vehicle pulling to one side during braking may indicate uneven pad wear

Additional Tips

• Regularly check brake pads as part of vehicle maintenance.
• If unsure, have a trusted mechanic inspect them.
• Proper driving habits like gradual braking can extend pad life

This approach applies to most cars with disc brakes. For bicycles or other vehicles, the principle is similar: visually inspect pad thickness and listen for warning noises

. In summary, the most reliable way is to remove the wheel and measure the pad thickness, but you can often get a good idea by looking through the wheel or noting brake symptoms