Wait for brakes light ON to change brake pads, bad idea ? is it too late already if warning lights turns ON ?

[benzw205]

hello,

is it true that if you wait that your brake light turns ON to change your brake pads, it's already too late, and then you will also have to change the brake pads sensors that alerts you when your pads are dead ?

Also, I have been told that you do not always need to change your brake discs, you can "fix" them, kind of renovate to bring them back to "new", do you recommend it ?

Thank you so much for your ideas.

 

[mattkh]

Also, I have been told that you do not always need to change your brake discs, you can "fix" them,

Please put up a close-up picture of the edge of any part of the front disc of your car.

 

[Blobcat]

In general you can get 2 sets of pads to a set of discs. If however the discs are particularly rusty. (Mainly affects the rears as they’re not used as much) then you might need to change the discs earlier
You can change the pads before the sensor comes on but why would you? You can also reuse the sensor if you’re careful, moving it from the old pads to the new ones.
If the brakes are working well, without pulling, making noises or any other abnormalities then I’d wait until the sensor triggers and then change the pads (and discs if required) on both wheels on the relevant axle

 

[star]

You can wait till light comes on, no more damage will happen. It’s too late if you halfway thru France tho or if your time is valuable and don’t want extra off time. Most discs have a min thickness, no worth skimming unless you have time and equipment.

 

[joderest]

to explain, the sensors are normally sacrificial, as they are plastic that wears down until the contact wire in them is broken, hence why if light turns on a new sensor will be required.
Disc's are an important safety brake part, you really want your car to stop ?? They do not cost the earth unless you have performance car, most are relatively easy to remove and fit. The cost to have brake disc's "refurbished" will not be far off the cost to replace them.

Just my thoughts