Q: When to change the brake pads?

You should change pads when they drop below 2mm thickness, according to the workshop manual. You can inspect the pads by jacking up the car and removing the wheels.

R.

And don't reply on the squealers; they can fall off or just not be replaced when the pads are changed. My car doesn't have them.

Many brake pads have the squealers as part of the unit. I always snap these off on my own cars.

I check the pads frequently and always replace them long before metal reaches metal. I am as concerned with how each pad is wearing in relation to the others as anything.

BTW, to the original poster. Once you look at your brakes, you will see how incredibly easy it is to replace the pads yourself and save a lot money if you are so inclined.

Pat

I have always used a flash light and just looked at the thickness of the outer disc pads. Ideally the outer and inside pad should wear equally, although they may not. I guage by eye, and make sure that the pad has not gotten down to the same thickness, as the back plate that the pad is adhered/attached to.