What is the best practice for checking brake pads?

The best practice for checking brake pads involves visually inspecting them for wear. This method allows a technician to assess the condition of the pads by looking for indicators such as thickness, cracks, or uneven wear patterns that may suggest that the brake pads need to be replaced. A visual inspection can highlight specific issues, such as significant wear that compromises braking efficiency or safety.

Other methods, while sometimes useful, do not provide as comprehensive an assessment of brake pad condition. Feeling for texture with fingers may not accurately reveal the extent of wear or damage, as it does not provide a clear understanding of the pad's remaining thickness or structural integrity. Replacing brake pads regardless of condition is not a recommended practice as it leads to unnecessary expenses and waste; maintenance should be based on actual condition assessments. Checking the alignment of the vehicle, while important for tire wear and driveability, does not directly assess the brake pads themselves. Therefore, visual inspection is the most effective and accurate method for evaluating brake pad condition.