Visual Brake Calliper & Brake Pad Inspection

By Mariana Saenzpardo

The brakes on a car are the most important part of the vehicles safety which is why you need to keep them in a good working order. Inspecting your brakes regularly can help identify potential problems that can be repaired before they turn into bigger and expensive issues. Most brake inspections consist of looking at the condition of the brake pads, discs and callipers. You should always inspect your brakes at least twice a year to prevent problems.

In order to carry out a brake pad inspection you need to be able to see into the wheel. On many cars you can check the brakes without even having to remove the wheel. If your car has alloy wheels with spaces then you can inspect your brakes by looking through the spaces at the brake pads and discs.

If you don’t have a clear view of this then you may need to take the wheel off. Removing the wheel will make the visual inspection a lot easier, just ensure that you use proper safety instructions before removing the wheels.

Inspecting your brake pad:

When inspecting your brake pad you need to follow the surface of the disc to the top, you'll be able to see the outside pad touching the disc. If there is 1/8" (size of two pennies stacked) or less remaining on the brake pad then it’s time for new ones. Brake pads are relatively cheap to buy and easy to replace.

Inspecting your brake callipers:

The calliper are made up of two round metal guide pins on each brake calliper where the brake piston assembly sits. They’re responsible for guiding the proper angle for how the brake pad meets the disk brakes. When the brake callipers are damaged, the cylinder inside of the brake calliper will not be able to push the brake pads to the brake discs and the vehicle will not be able to stop so it’s best to get your car looked at regularly.

When taking your car in for an MOT and service the mechanics will check your brakes for wear and tear, however if you are ever unsure about the condition of your brakes then it’s always best to get them looked at before other serious problems arise.

Why not get the experts to have a look?

You can book a Free Brake Check online. Our technicians will check the condition of your car battery using the latest testing equipment. Click on the button below to book yours today!

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Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy

When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.

If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.

We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.

But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.

So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!

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About the author

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By Mariana Saenzpardo
Mariana is a Digital Marketing Specialist for Protyre who is also responsible for the running of our Protyre website.
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