Can I still drive it?
Usually yes, for a short time. The pad wear warning comes on when the pads reach the sensor, which normally leaves some pad left. Book the job soon. If you hear grinding, feel the pedal change, or see a red brake warning, stop driving and have the brakes checked. Grinding means metal is touching the disc, and that damages the disc fast.
Symptoms
Tick what you notice. Most cars show one or two of these.
Narrow it down
Two questions point you to the most likely part.
What do you notice?
When were the pads last changed?
Answer both questions to see the most likely cause.
The pads have reached the wear sensor. Check the pad thickness through the wheel. Replace the pads on both sides of that axle, and fit a new wear sensor with them.
If the warning stays on after new pads, the old sensor was probably reused or its plug is not connected. Sensors usually wear through with the pads, so they need replacing too. On some models the warning also needs resetting with a diagnostic tool.
Grinding usually means very little pad is left. Stop driving soon and check the pads and discs. Discs worn this way often need replacing with the pads.
New pads can squeal for the first few days. If it goes on, check that the shims and clips were fitted and the slide pins move freely.
Shudder when braking usually comes from discs with uneven thickness. Measure the discs or have a workshop check them. Replace discs in pairs, with new pads.
Likely causes, most common first
The warning is usually the pads doing their job: telling you they are near the end. Check what else is worn before you buy parts.
01Worn brake pads Most common
Pads wear with every stop. Heavy cars, city traffic and hard braking wear them faster. When the friction material reaches the sensor, the warning comes on.
Check: Use a torch to look through the wheel at the pad thickness. Compare inner and outer pads.
02Worn or damaged wear sensor Common
The sensor is a wire clipped into the pad. It wears through with the pad, so it is usually replaced with every pad change. A damaged wire or loose plug can also set the warning with good pads.
Check: Follow the wire from the pad to its plug. Look for a worn tip, cuts or a loose connector.
03Worn or uneven brake discs Common
Discs wear thinner over time and can develop uneven thickness. That causes shudder under braking, and a raised lip forms on the outer edge.
Check: When the disc is cold, feel the outer edge for a lip. Look for deep grooves or blue patches.
04Sticking caliper or slide pins Less common
A caliper piston or slide pin that sticks keeps one pad touching the disc. That pad wears faster, the car can pull, and that wheel gets hot and dusty.
Check: After a drive, carefully hold your hand near each wheel without touching it. One much hotter wheel points to a sticking caliper.
Change pads in axle sets. Always replace both sides of the same axle together, and fit a new wear sensor. Measure the discs at the same time: new pads on worn discs wear out early and can squeal.
Checks you can do
No special tools. Do these before you buy parts.
Look at the pads
With a torch, look through the wheel spokes. Little pad material left on the backing plate means the pads are due.
Feel the disc edge
With the disc cold, run a finger over its outer edge. A clear lip means the disc has worn.
Check the brake fluid
The level drops slowly as pads wear. If it is below MIN, top it up to the correct level and have the system checked for a leak.
Note when the noise happens
Only when braking, all the time, or only when cold. Tell us what you hear.
Find the sensor wheel
Many models have a wear sensor on only one wheel per axle. Check that one first.
Send us the result
Tell us which axle, what you hear or feel, and your VIN. We confirm the right part numbers.
Parts and prices
Genuine JLR brake pads next to aftermarket sets from Brembo and VNG. Wear sensors start from 50.00 AED.
Prices on 27 Oct 2026, in AED. Pad and disc sizes change with model, year and brake package: send your VIN and we confirm the right part numbers before you order.
FAQ
Can I drive with the brake pad warning on?
Usually yes, for a short time, because the warning comes on before the pads are fully worn. Book the job soon. If you hear grinding or see a red brake warning, stop driving and have the brakes checked.
Do I need a new wear sensor with new pads?
Usually yes. The sensor wears through with the pad, and a used sensor can keep the warning on. Fit a new sensor each time you change the pads on that axle.
Do I need new discs as well?
Only if they are worn. Replace them if they are below the minimum thickness stamped on the disc, have a clear lip, deep grooves or cause shudder. Always replace discs in pairs.
Are aftermarket brake pads any good?
We stock aftermarket pads from Brembo and VNG next to genuine JLR. Aftermarket costs less; genuine is the factory part. Each comes with its manufacturer’s warranty.
Which brake pads fit my car?
Land Rover uses different pads across models, years and brake sizes. Send your VIN on WhatsApp and we confirm the right part number.
This guide is for information. Have a qualified technician confirm the fault before replacing parts.