Unfortunately, the wear is seldom even, which means that at least one pad is worn out before the level is low. This means that you have to find some other means of knowing when the pads need changing. On newer and more expensive cars there's normally a sensor to tell you when the pads are getting thin but, failing that, the ideal is to take the wheels off and inspect the pads on a regular basis. Few people do this and, as a result, one often hears the scraping sound that announces a worn pad and a damaged disc.

As an aside, it's worth knowing that the motor trade often adds the cost of excessive quantities of brake fluid to your bill when you have your car serviced. Refuse to pay this unless they have flushed the system; instead, ask them why they are allowing you to drive your car away with a major brake system leak. If there are no leaks, the only source of a drop in level is wear on the pads or the shoes. The matching of brake pad material to brake design specifications for each model cannot be done without the co-operation of the vehicle manufacturer concerned, so, when it comes to buying brake pads, only quality brands should be considered.Since brakes are a safety item it is too risky to skimp on them.

On windy days the brakes often make slight scraping noises because of the small particles of sand clinging to the discs. Sometimes a few quick jabs on the brake pedal will cause the sealing rings to spring back a fraction more and stop the noise.