Brake pads wear out as they’re used, therefore there’s no replacement schedule. Depending on many factors, brake life can vary greatly even within the same vehicle.
A brake inspection every year or 15,000 miles is the best way to monitor your brakes, but knowing your brake pad replacement time is helpful. Read on to learn more.
Brake Pad Life: How Long?
Brake pads contact the rotor’s inner and outer surfaces as the caliper closes. When they do, friction turns forward momentum into heat, slowing your car. Every application wears a minuscule bit of braking material off the brake pads, and after months or years and tens of thousands of miles, they thin out.
Brake pads can last up to 60,000 miles in optimum conditions. Commuting-only drivers may get under 20,000 miles per set. For most drivers with moderate conditions, a mix of highway and city driving, and reasonable braking, 30,000 to 40,000 miles is typical.
Brake Pad Replacement
According to your owner’s handbook, brake pads should be replaced when they are thinner than tolerance. Besides this, most brake pads have an electronic pad sensor (many European automobiles) or a back squealer tab.
The maker of performance pads may have a different tolerance than your handbook. To avoid pushing the pad too much, many individuals alter it by the earlier rule.
How Do I Know My Brakes Are Worn?
- Signs that your brake pads are wearing out will alert you to a job. They may involve these symptoms:
- Squealing – The brake pad’s squealer tab or feeler contacts the rotor, indicating thinness.
- Extended stopping distances – As they deteriorate, contact with the rotor may decrease or heat may not disperse, reducing braking efficiency.
- The dash indication may illuminate if the brake pads are low.
- Low brake fluid—Low brake fluid requires extra fluid to pour into the lines to extend the calipers.
- Visually thin — Brake inspections can show brake pads with 1/8-inch left, which should be replaced.
- Check the brake rotors for wear when checking the brakes.
Use even pressure rather than harsh braking and avoid cycling the brake pedal in traffic to maximize brake pad life. Think about routes with fewer stops and congestion, and make sure your load is balanced and within the vehicle’s restrictions.
Remember that all OEM parts were chosen to balance cost and performance. That implies they will be cost-effective as replacements for most drivers, but individuals who want more from their cars may choose to spend more on parts.
At Heath’s Auto Service, our comprehensive range of services covers everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs. Our certified technicians are skilled in handling oil changes, brake inspections, engine diagnostics, tire rotations, and much more. Whether it’s a minor tune-up or a major overhaul, trust us to get you back on the road with confidence. Contact our team at Heath’s Auto Service today!
