mechanics.tradeBrake pads
Testers wrote brake pads down 791,292 times during 2025, 15th on a list of 265 kinds of defect.
791,292recorded in 2025
2.6%of all recorded defects
15thon the national list
What it is
Pads press against the disc to slow the car and wear down as they do. The tester measures what is left of the friction material and looks for any that are down to the backing plate.
What the tester can write down
| Wording on the certificate | Category | Recorded in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | Dangerous | 709,059 |
What you can do about it
Pads are a routine wearing item and the front pair usually goes first. A grinding noise or a scraping when you brake means they have run out, and leaving it damages the discs as well.
Advisories
Testers also noted this 3,687,625 times in 2025 as an advisory, without failing the car for it. That is worth acting on before the next test comes round.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.