Brake pad wear light
Also called: worn brake pads light
The brake pads are worn down to the sensor. Replace them soon.
What it means
Many European cars and some trucks have pad wear sensors. This light means the pads have worn far enough to reach the sensor. You usually have some life left, but not much.
Green, yellow, red: three ways this can look
Match your situation to the closest example.
Keep an eye on it
It just came on and the brakes feel and sound normal. Book a brake job in the next few weeks.
Schedule a repair
You hear squealing or the light has been on a while. Schedule it now before pads hit metal.
Stop and get help
Grinding noise or the brake pedal feels different. Stop driving it as much as you can. Metal on metal ruins rotors and reduces stopping power.
Common causes
- Pads worn to the sensor
- Damaged sensor wire
What to do right now
- Book a brake inspection soon
- Replace the wear sensor when the pads are replaced
Related guides
Symbols and meanings vary a little by make and model. Your owner's manual has the exact meaning for your vehicle.
Other warning lights
Questions
What does the brake pad wear light mean?
The brake pads are worn down to the sensor. Replace them soon. Many European cars and some trucks have pad wear sensors. This light means the pads have worn far enough to reach the sensor. You usually have some life left, but not much.
Can I keep driving with the brake pad wear light on?
Green: It just came on and the brakes feel and sound normal. Book a brake job in the next few weeks. Yellow: You hear squealing or the light has been on a while. Schedule it now before pads hit metal. Red: Grinding noise or the brake pedal feels different. Stop driving it as much as you can. Metal on metal ruins rotors and reduces stopping power.
What causes the brake pad wear light?
Common causes: pads worn to the sensor; damaged sensor wire.
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