Brakes Pads Need Changing On '03 Ls430?

[PilotguyPA28]

Bought it at 30,000 miles with pretty new Michelins. I have 32K now and just wondering if I just wait for the brake warning light or take it in for someone to look at? Can I trust the warning light? I have no proof the original owner changed the brakes out (I'm the 2nd owner).

Thanks in advance.

[crow1]

If you dont know how the previous owner used the car or where it came from (mountains wear brakes more than flat land) just take it to your shop or a tire store and ask them to check the pads.

I personally would not use the wear warning light to decide on brake pad replacement.

[PilotguyPA28]

He was in Clearwater, FL. I have a friend with a body shop who I'm sure will check them if I ask him to @ no charge.

[SKperformance]

The warning light is the only true teller of when you need to change them and it is only at 20 so it still can go for a while more, the only problem is waiting for that point means buying a new sensor. Pads are less than $50

[eatingupblacktop]

Personally, I'd never wait for a warning light. There's no need to. A quick check to see where your pads are at - check your brake fluid level. If it's on the mark and you have no leaks, then your pads are ok. But nothing beats a visual check to see how much is left. Break pad wear is directly proportional to the type of driving/breaking you do (aggressive - or towing a trailer) and where you do it (flat/hills/mountains). It' not unheard of for a set to last over 100k.

[superxjeff]

Personally, I'd never wait for a warning light. There's no need to. A quick check to see where your pads are at - check your brake fluid level. If it's on the mark and you have no leaks, then your pads are ok. But nothing beats a visual check to see how much is left. Break pad wear is directly proportional to the type of driving/breaking you do (aggressive - or towing a trailer) and where you do it (flat/hills/mountains). It' not unheard of for a set to last over 100k.

[1990LS400]

I wait for the warning message to display on the trip computer before replacing the pads. The original front pads on my 00 LS were replaced recently at about 85,000 miles. I expect the rear pads to last about 120,000 miles -- same as on my prevous LS. The repair shop that maintains our cars can sometimes reuse the sensors.

I visually check the thickness of the brake pads when I rotate the wheels -- every 5,000 miles. They are pretty easy to see when the wheels are off.