Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake
Turn the steering wheel to improve access to the brake caliper (if needed)
Inspect brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes or the inspection window in the caliper (if equipped)
Check the pad wear indicator (squeal tab/indicator) by listening for squealing when braking and visually confirming contact/position if accessible
Look for uneven pad wear, cracking, crumbling, or glazing on the pad surface
Confirm both inner and outer pads on the same wheel are not significantly different in thickness
Check for rotor contact marks or heavy scoring/uneven rotor wear that may indicate pad issues
Verify pad hardware condition (springs/clips) if you can see it through the caliper openings
If pad thickness cannot be confirmed visually, remove the wheel and inspect directly
Measure pad thickness with a ruler or caliper if measurements are needed
Compare the measured thickness to the manufacturer’s minimum specification on the service label or owner’s manual
Repeat checks for all wheels and compare wear side-to-side and front-to-rear
Check brake fluid level in the reservoir for any related warning signs (low fluid may indicate pad wear or a leak)