Brake Pad Warning Light

[angelica]

Hi,
The brake pad warning light came on in my car and I'm a bit stuck for time over the next week so will find it difficult to get the pads changed. Could anyone tell me what's the latest I can leave it before getting the pads changed.....without putting myself and others in danger!!!
Thanks in advance

 

[mjbst111]

i'm not going to tell you what to do because the one thing that you want to be sure of is that your brakes work. And well.

but here are the possibilities. Only 2 of the 4 wheels have a sensor. If one of the 2 sensors wear enough to turn on the light the actual pad has (obviously depends on how many miles you drive) a decent amount of life left on it. (decent amount is quite relative) Its really impossible to tell you how much life is left on the pad as it varies by distance and driving style)

With all that said while 2 wheels have sensors 2 wheels do not. Brakes don't wear 100% evenly and the 2 wheels without the sensor could be worn completely or just more than the one with the sensor. At the same time it could have more life.

I guess this is all to say its not really easy to answer your question. Theres no way to tell unless you check them out.

One thing is for sure: If they start squealing like metal on metal. Quit driving. I know of someone who kept driving and wore the rotor until the outside of the rotor ripped of the inside and the pads were only grabbing rotor not connected to the wheel. Thenm she wondered why it pulled to the side when applying the brakes.... everything was melted in the process. just wow.

 

[angelica]

Thanks for the info - very useful to know only two of the wheels have sensors. Brakes certainly haven't started squealing (or even squeaking), I drive about 40 miles a day and am a fairly conservative driver - and I'm being extra cautious now cos of the brakes! Will definitely get them done this weekend....just thought the light might mean get them changed in the next day or two!
Thanks again

 

[philboy]

change the pads , it toke me 20 mins to do both front brake pads on my e36, it's so simple, trust me im thick and i managed it. so ur have no problem, dont risk not having ur brakes really not worth it

 

[epj3]

change the pads , it toke me 20 mins to do both front brake pads on my e36, it's so simple, trust me im thick and i managed it. so ur have no problem, dont risk not having ur brakes really not worth it

You should bleed them afterwards!