Brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle, which is why we take brake inspections seriously at King Country Motors.
As part of our servicing and inspection process, we often record brake pad thickness and follow up with customers when pads are getting low — typically around 3–4mm remaining.
How brake pads are initially checked
During a standard service, brake pads are usually checked without removing the wheels.
Our technicians measure pad thickness by:
- Looking through the wheel spokes, or
- Viewing the caliper where access allows
On some vehicles, this can be quite challenging due to wheel design, brake setup, or limited visibility.
While our technicians are careful, it’s important to understand that this type of check is an estimate, not a full strip-down inspection.
Why follow-up brake reminders matter
When we send a reminder advising that brake pads are getting low, it’s to help you:
- Plan repairs before brakes become unsafe
- Avoid unexpected breakdowns or damage
- Spread costs rather than facing a larger bill later
There is always a small possibility that brake pad thickness readings taken visually can be inaccurate. That’s why, if there’s any doubt — or if the brakes are close to their limit — we recommend a wheel-off brake inspection.
Don’t wait for the squeal
If you wait until brakes start making a squealing or grinding noise, they may already be past their safe wear limit.
At that stage:
- Brake pads may be worn completely
- Brake rotors can become damaged or scored
For most standard vehicles, replacing damaged brake rotors can cost around $200–$400 per rotor, which is an additional expense that can often be avoided with earlier brake pad replacement.
Removing the wheels and properly checking brake pads can help prevent this.
Rear brake shoes and drums – harder to assess
Many SUVs and utes are fitted with rear brake shoes and drums rather than pads.
These are more difficult to assess because:
- There is only a very small inspection hole in the back of the drum
- This hole shows only one small section of the brake shoe
- Wear can be uneven, meaning readings may not always reflect overall condition
From time to time, this can give a false reading.
When should rear brake shoes be checked?
If your rear brake shoes haven’t been checked in the last 12 months, it’s a good idea to book your vehicle in for a proper inspection.
This involves:
- Removing the rear wheels
- Removing the brake drums
- Measuring brake shoe thickness and drum condition
This allows us to accurately assess:
- Current brake condition
- Whether replacement will be needed in the near future
Having this information early helps you plan ahead and avoid surprise repair bills.
Our goal
Our aim is to keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and predictable to maintain.
By:
- Noting brake wear early
- Following up when pads are getting low
- Recommending full inspections when needed
We help you make informed decisions about your vehicle — without waiting until damage has already occurred.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your brakes, or you’ve received a brake reminder and would like a more accurate check, get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.