Maintaining your brakes: how often and what to check

Brakes are essential for safety. Regular maintenance and appropriate checks reduce risks and avoid costly repairs. Here is how often to have them checked and what to look at.

How often to check

There is no single rule: frequency depends on driving style (town, motorway, mixed), vehicle load and model. As a general rule, a visual check of the brakes is recommended at each service (every 15,000 to 30,000 km depending on manufacturer). Front pads wear faster than rear ones (braking distribution). A professional will check pad thickness, disc condition and brake fluid level.

What to check

Pads: minimum thickness is often indicated by a wear sensor or a metal tab that squeals when it touches the disc. Below about 3 mm of usable thickness, replacement is required. Discs: wear, scoring, warping or run-out (thickness variation) may require replacement. Brake fluid: it should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (often every 2 years or 40,000 km), as it absorbs moisture and loses effectiveness.

Warning signs

A spongy pedal, braking that pulls to one side, vibration when braking or persistent squealing should prompt you to have the brakes checked without delay. A brake warning light (red) on the dashboard often indicates low fluid level or a system fault.

Order of magnitude for costs

Front pad replacement: about €80 to €200 (depending on model). Front pads + discs: about €200 to €450. At the rear, costs are often similar or slightly lower. Brake fluid bleed and replacement: about €50 to €120. My Auto Check-up helps you prepare your visit by gathering useful information (model, mileage, symptoms) for an initial cost estimate.