Your brakes keep your family safe. Visually inspect your brakes' condition at least every six months. Any rotor discoloration may be a sign of overheating and an inspection by a brake repair professional is needed. Pads will normally match rotor scoring but should also be inspected for uneven wear, breakage or cracking on the friction surface.
Many cars have brake pad sensors to warn of pad wear.
If your car uses sensors, replace these at the same time as your pads. Drums should also be inspected on a regular basis. Check for the same types of flaws as noted above. Shoes should be worn evenly and have no rivets protruding to the friction surface. Inspect the master cylinder, reservoir and proportioning valve assemblies as well.