Will my brake pads fail my MOT?

Wednesday 16th September 2026

If you have your MOT booked soon, you’ll want to ensure that your car has every chance of passing. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about your brake pads, and how to make sure they’re in good condition so that they won’t fail your MOT test.

How long do brake pads last?

Your brake pads wear down slightly every time you use them, due to the force and friction generated by braking. They usually last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on the type of pads your car uses, your driving style, where you drive and the size of car you drive. Front pads typically wear out faster than back pads, as they take the most braking force.

Do they check brake pads on MOTs?

Yes, brake pads are tested during your MOT. Their condition is checked and can fail based on the following criteria.

Dangerous wear: Brake pads worn below 1.5 mm fall below the legal wear limit. This is considered dangerous, as it increases stopping distance and reduces braking efficiency.
Contaminated brake pads: If your brake pads become contaminated with oil or grease, this affects their grip when braking, making them dangerous to use.
Incorrect mounting: Incorrect mounting can cause an imbalanced braking force. The pad’s position is checked within the calliper to insure it isn’t loose or askew.

Brake pad thickness

While the legal limit of brake pad thickness is 1.5 mm, we recommend replacing your brake pads at 3 mm. At 3 mm or below, your MOT may flag an advisory for your brake pads.

Signs of worn brake pads

There are usually clear signs when your brake pads are worn and need replacing or your dashboard warning sign might illuminate.

Warning sounds of worn brake pads

Your brake pads are fitted with wear indicators. As the pads wear down, the metal indicator rubs against the brake disc, creating a high-pitched squeal that’s impossible to ignore.

A crunching, grinding sound from your brakes is a sign to stop driving immediately. This indicates that your brake friction pads have completely worn away. Continuing to drive in this condition is dangerous and can cause further damage to your brake discs.

Physical signs of worn brake pads

If you find your vehicle vibrates or buzzes while you’re driving, this could be a sign that your brake pads are wearing unevenly – this in turn can cause the brake discs to warp and cause vibrations especially as the brake pads trying to grip the discs. Combined with pulling to one side when braking or a soft mushy pedal, this is cause for concern.

What to do next

If you’re worried about your brake pads or have your MOT booked in soon, it’s a good idea to perform a visual check on your brakes to keep them in good condition.

Use a torch to look through your wheel spokes and locate the outer brake pad.
Visually check the thickness of your brake pads. If they are less than 3 mm (roughly the thickness of two pennies stacked together), it’s time for new brake pads.
Have a look under the bonnet at your brake fluid reservoir. If your fluid level is low, this may also indicate that your pads are worn out too.

Book a free brake check at Formula One Autocentres

If you have any concerns about your brakes, then our fully trained brake specialists are happy to help. Simply book in for a free brake check at your nearest Formula One Autocentres branch, and we’ll carry out a fully comprehensive brake inspection at no cost to you.