the questions in the title, well do they? if not whats the best way of telling (for an idiot like me) that brake discs and or pads need changing. Its not that I dont believe the garages.... but!!!

you should be able to see how much of the pad is left without removing the wheels , and also see if there is a huge lip on the edge of the disk.

That should do for starters.

Standard pads should come with wear indicators.

Standard pads should come with wear indicators.

which do what? (sorry for being dumb!)

Put a light on when the pads are worn to the limit.

Out of interestest don't octy brake pads wear more on the inside than out, such that you can't really tell when you need new ones by just looking through the wheel.

I hope so as the wear indicator is on the inside pad. Its only on one side of the car too, the driver's side IIRC.

Its on the front passenger side (RHD cars)

ok, soooo the big question, do I wait until the light comes on to change pads? and is the only way to check disc wear by feeling for the size of the lips... (erm... you know what I mean)

My driver's side inside pad wore to the mater before the light came on (no wear wire that side ) - so I wouldnt wait next time around.

I have no light on but they don't feel as responsive as they used to. Will probably get mine changed early too.