Have my pads ran out of steam???

[Jogon]

Hi my golf has made some funny noises today , only after braking I have heard a rattling noise that seems to be coming from my front nearside wheel ??? Had a quick look tonight in the dark with a torch but can see nothing obvious.  It only happens about 10 meters after stopping and soon disappears. I've had the car 2 years and put 30k on it and haven't changed the discs and pads so I'm guessing I need some fresh metal ?? Is there any check that simple me could do to see if I do ???

[Johnny_tro]

If you look at the pads at an angle (depending on the wheels you have of course) you should be able to just view the pads......otherwise, just pop a wheel off.

If the are REALLY bad and worn (when cold) just feel the disc with your finger, leave it too long and the pads with mark/score the discs.