Brake pads + Grinding noise

[Snooze]

Ive noticed over the last month or so that im getting a bit of a grinding noise when breaking after setting off on a journey.  Is this just dirt on the break pads, or are they getting worn do you think?

If someone could let me know how to check my break pads and how I tell if they need replacing or not, that would be much appreciated. Quite a simple one I think, so hoping someone can help!  Cheers

[DJGTi]

With Monzas it's pretty easy to check the outside pad. Have a peer through the spokes and you should be able to see the backing plate and how much brake lining you have. You'll need to take the wheel off and turn to full lock to check the inner pad.

A slight scraping noise for the first gentle brake is normal, especially after sitting for a few days or if you've washed the wheels, but any more than that should be looked at immediately.

[snakehips]

I've noticed exactly the same thing over the past couple of weeks! Much worse than usual, like they 'unstick' when first moving off then grinding noises when I break. I assumed it was just loads of salt and grit from the past month's bad weather.

[kalpsn2000]

I get a slight grinding noise for the first couple of presses of the brake pedal when setting off but just assumed this is due to the slight rust build up you get when the car as been sitting there for 2 or 3 days.

Its fine after I have braked 2-3 times. Shouldn’t be anything to worry about unless it carries on for longer.

[Hatrick]

I had a similar problem after the duration of the extreme cold weather over the christmas period.  Then I noticed a slight juddering under braking.  Turns out that due to the extreme low temperatures then the heat from braking that my brake discs became warped  , not exactly what I needed after christmas 

[GolfTi]

This has happened on my mk 6 and EOS recently. Normal. Just the damp/cold weather.
Happened on my mk5 in winter too.
Worse the longer the car has sat. Stops when things start warming up and drying out a bit.

If the cars are garaged overnight it doesn't happen.

[Egbutt Wash]

I don't now wat a break pad is?

[Phil1980]

I don't now wat a break pad is?

Its something you sit on when you drink tea.

With regards to the brakes my car often gets left for several days without being used, with the cold/wet weather I do notice a sticking when I first pull away but this clears pretty soon after. 

[PatrickCullen87]

this is normal for the weather we have been having and the sh!t they have been putting on our roads. i thought i needed new brake pads because of the grinding noise so took the car into the  garage and they said my pads have 80% left on them and the noise is due to the weather and dirt on the roads