Abstract: A new method and apparatus signals to an inspector on a cursory exterior examination of a vehicle that brake pads have reached the limit of safe wear. Brake pads are designed to release a material that has a color other than the browns and grays of conventional brake pad dust when they reach the limit of safe wear. The colored material distributes itself on the wheel of the vehicle, thereby offering telltale evidence of worn-out brake pads. A first embodiment brake pad employs a colored powdered material enclosed in at least one pocket beneath the normal wear range of the friction lining. A third embodiment brake pad employs a heat-stable, colored liquid or slurry in metal capsule. The capsule is breached by rubbing against the brake rotor when the wear limit is reached. Inorganic pigments are used for powder, slurry and friction lining colorants.