Just the Facts: Brake Pad Wear Sensors What does a Brake Pad Wear Sensor do? The Brake Pad Wear sensor, or brake wear indicator, is an added safety feature on many vehicles used to warn a vehicle’s driver if their brake pad’s life becomes too low. Where are these sensors located? The Brake Pad Wear sensor is mounted on the brake pad and routed through the caliper in any combination of the four wheels. Vehicles have sensors on one to four wheels. Will a malfunctioning Brake Pad Wear Sensor illuminate the brake light or affect vehicle operation? Yes, the most common sensors use a small contact to trigger the warning light on the vehicle’s dashboard. What are the common causes of failure? Brake Pad Wear sensors are designed to “fail” as brake pads wear. They should be changed whenever the pads are replaced or when the vehicle’s warning light indicates. How to determine if these sensors are malfunctioning. Visually inspect the contact and brake pad for excessive wear – if they are worn, then both need to be changed. When the brake pad becomes too worn and low, the rotor cuts through the sensor, touches the contact and breaks the circuit triggering a warning light on the dash. Some sensors emit an audible sound in the cabin to warn the driver that the brake pad has reached the end of its service life. What makes BWD  Brake Pad Wear Sensors the best. As a basic manufacturer, Intermotor™ has complete control of the manufacturing process from componentry to finished product Broad product offering - currently over one hundred numbers cover in excess of 2500 direct applications Genuine Intermotor™ Brake Pad Wear sensors are direct OE replacements with perfect fit, finish and function for flawless operation View our 21st Century Tune-Up® video video Back to Just the Facts