when to change brakes?

[s4seeker]

Stupid question i know but what should i be looking out for with regards to discs. there is not too much of a lip at the outside just now. Is that the best way to keep an eye on them?
Anyone with any tips?
Looks still to be plenty of lining on all the pads and no warning lights on.
Should i just be waiting for lights to tell me to change?
any help please
don't want to be going an getting new brakes when really they are not needed yet.
cheers
Paul

[gavsteryoung]

Paul,

this aint really an answer to your question. But when I last changed my front pads, the discs looked like they would only last 5000-10000 miles more.

This has been confirmed to now because my brake pad warning light has come on, and appon inspection of the pads, they only look half worn.

Whats happened is the lip has broken the wire in the pads because the groove is so big... So I am now in need of new discs front and back.

I would think you still have a fair few miles left on both items....

regards

Gav

[mikeyquattro]

Depends how you drive.
My discs lasted about 10 on the front and 20k on the back.
Both front and rear were warped!
Mines pre facelift with solid rear discs. Crap but cheap

[s4seeker]

mine is a facelift so i assume they are vented all around. any other ideas guys.
Should i just be waiting for an indicator then?
thanks again
paul

[mikeyquattro]

Next time your washing your car, Have a look! Its not too hard to see the pad thickness through the wheels.
If your as anal about washing your car as me then i take the wheels off and clean inside from time to time

[mikeyquattro]

Next time your washing your car, Have a look! Its not too hard to see the pad thickness through the wheels.
If your as anal about washing your car as me then i take the wheels off and clean inside from time to time