Amber light
Brake Pad Wear Warning
A wear sensor reports that the brake pads are close to their minimum thickness.
High risk
The brakes still work, but have the pads replaced soon. Worn-out pads damage the discs and increase stopping distance.
Short answer · How long can I drive with the brake pad warning light on?
The sensor is set to warn before the pads are fully worn, but the remaining margin is small and varies by car and driving. Book a pad replacement soon and avoid hard braking until then. A grinding noise means the pads may be down to the backing plate.
What to do
- Book a brake checkHave pads and discs measured.
- Listen for grindingGrinding means metal-on-metal contact.Metal-on-metal braking greatly increases stopping distance.
- Replace the sensor tooMany sensors are single-use and are changed with the pads.
How is the light behaving?
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Steady | Pads near minimum thickness | Have the pads replaced soon |
Possible causes
- Worn padsNormal wear.
- Damaged sensor wireA broken wire also triggers the warning.