What is a common indicator of worn brake pads?

A common indicator of worn brake pads is the presence of a warning light on the dashboard. Many modern vehicles are equipped with a brake pad wear indicator, which is designed to alert the driver when the brake pads have worn down to a certain level. This warning light typically resembles a brake symbol or may be labeled specifically for the brakes. When the brake pads wear thin, the metal backing plate may rub against the rotor, triggering the light as a precautionary measure to prompt the driver to check and replace the pads before they cause further damage to the braking system.

While increased vehicle noise can also suggest worn brake pads—especially a squealing or grinding sound—it's not a definitive indicator since noise can come from various other issues as well. Vibrations during acceleration and decreased fuel efficiency are typically not associated with brake pad wear specifically, as they indicate a range of other mechanical issues unrelated to the state of the brake pads. This underscores the importance of dashboard warning lights as a clear and reliable indicator for vehicle maintenance needs.