Another pad question

[Joshs2013MSAltimaSL]

So I'll be doing my first detail soon, well not very first, just first using the PC and different polishes. I plan on using XMT #3 with an orange pad. I've read that we should have 2-3 of each colored pad for each car. My question is how do I know when it's time to pull out the new pad to continue my work. I'm guessing for orange pads I could do one half of the car, and then get a new orange pad? I know when I used to use an orbital buffer to take wax off, when the wax got thick on the bonnet, I knew it was time to change. Will I start to see the product smearing or not being worked in as well? Thanks!

[lgtspecb]

Having a pad brush and cleaner (or qd) on hand can help the pad go longer, but when it starts getting caked toss it aside and grab a new pad. Halfway should be a good target, but ofcourse it will depend on the job and how much product you are using. A pad will usually last me just longer than half the car.