How and When do I need new brake pads?

Besides saying bring it to the mechanics to check. Is there any way I can find out if I need new brake pads. I don't feel any difference, but I have been driving about a year and 1/2 since last brake pad was changedHow and When do I need new brake pads?Unless they're totally worn out and making scraping noises, the only way you can tell is to remove a wheel and see if the pad thickness is getting down to 1/8 inch or less anywhere on the pad. Most front pads last at least 30,000 miles, but some cars could potentially eat up pads sooner, especially if the calipers are causing the pads to wear unevenly.How and When do I need new brake pads?Usually the first sign is if the brakes squeal. Sometimes they will squeal when you brake, sometimes they will squeal and then go away when you brake, Sometimes the brakes might feel a little weaker, and sometimes the only way to tell is to take the tires off and physically look at the pad. Like the other guy said about 1/8 of an inch is about the limit.

Pads are pretty cheap and fairly simple to do in most cars.

Some pads just set in the caliper and others actually have guide pins in them and some have clips that clip to the caliper.How and When do I need new brake pads?You should be able to hear when the wear indicator starts rubbing.