The first signs that the brake pads might be nearing the end of their life is the brake light illuminating in the instrument cluster. Although this is not a wear-indicator – it is actually a warning that the brake fluid is low – it is a sign that the pads have worn considerably and should be checked. If the pads are equipped with mechanical wear tabs, the next symptom would be a high-pitched squeal, as the tabs come into contact with the brake rotor. These tabs may be substituted with electrical contacts, in which case the instrument cluster will actually have a brake-wear warning light as well as the low-fluid light. In the absence of a wear-indicator, if the pads get into the resin-zone of the friction material they will emit a grinding noise when the brakes are applied. This requires immediate attention. When it comes to brake pads, stock replacement parts may often seem to be the simplest solution – if a little expensive – but by following this guide there is no reason that pads should not be safely and cost effectively replaced with aftermarket parts that could better suit the vehicle and operating conditions.