I had my car inspected recently for a MA license plate. It passed, but the inspector told me I may need new brakes. He said, if you put your finger between the wheel hub spaces and feel the disk it should be glass smooth.

Mine felt like it had ridges, thus my car needs new brake disks. Is thus a good test?

The brakes seem to work fine when I use them.

Any help appreciated, thanx in advance.

Newport_j

 

Ridges on the pads do indicate some wear, but it does not necessarily mean you need new brakes yet. The brake pads "mate" over time with the rotors. So check the pad thickness, and if they are worn down to where they are close to the brake pad plate (the portion of the pad that is the backing for the pads) then replace them. If not, then let them wear down some more before you replace them. You will likely have to replace the rotors as well. The pads also likley have an audible wear sensor (just a piece of metal) that will begin to squeel a bit once you reach the area where replacement is needed, so you will know. No need to replace a pad that is not worn out yet. And your braking is fine, so there is no wear problem that is effecting your driving in the car.

 

As long as the ridges and/or grooves are not severe and the rotor thickness is acceptable, you may replace just pads when necessary.
Ed