Brake discs worn, pitted or scored
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Brake disc(s) worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened”
- “Brake disc(s) significantly worn”
What it is
Brake discs are the metal plates the pads clamp onto. Over time they wear thinner and can develop grooves (scoring), small holes (pitting) or a raised lip around the edge.
Why it matters
Worn or uneven discs reduce braking performance and wear new pads faster. Badly worn discs can crack or warp, which you may feel as vibration through the pedal or steering wheel.
What to check when viewing a car
Look at the discs through the wheels for deep grooves or a large lip at the edge. On a test drive, brake firmly and feel for vibration. Discs are usually replaced in pairs on the same axle, often with new pads.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
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What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: brakes
- Brake pads wearing thin
- Brake pipe corroded
- Brake hose damaged or deteriorated
- Parking brake (handbrake) not working well enough
- Brakes pulling or uneven (imbalance)
- Brake fluid leak
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.