Understanding the lifetime of brake pads is key to keeping your vehicle safe on the road. Worn-out brakes can increase your braking time, braking distance and risk of a collision. Stay safe on the road and maintain your vehicle with new brake pads before they become dangerously worn out. Learn how to spot signs of worn-out brake pads and discover how often you should replace your brake pads today.
Average Lifespan for Brakes
Unfortunately, there are no hard-and-fast rules about the lifespan of brake pads. Many drivers can successfully drive over 65,000 miles on one set of pads, while other drivers need to replace theirs after 25,000 miles. Here are just a few common factors that can dramatically affect the exact timeline of brake pad replacement for your car:
- Frequency of driving
- Speed of driving and braking
- Climate
- Type of brake pads
How to Improve Your Brake Pad Lifetime
To avoid changing your brake pads after 25,000 or less miles, discover how you can alter how long do brakes last by following these simple driving techniques. Avoid harsh braking conditions and keep your brakes lasting longer by using these techniques.
First, try to use natural engine braking to keep your brake pads from too much wear. Instead of aggressively accelerating and decelerating, try to let off the accelerator and gradually slow your vehicle down.
Consider the weight of your vehicle. A heavy vehicle requires more force to stop it. While there isn’t much you can do to take away the original weight of your vehicle, look for other ways that your vehicle can shed some weight. This will not only improve the lifespan of your brake pads, but it can also improve your fuel economy.
Signs That You Need New Brakes
Worn-out brakes warm up and can cause damage to your rotors and other areas of your brake system. Avoid additional damage by routinely inspecting your brakes. Depending on the brake pads on your vehicle, there are a few signs that you need new brakes.
Many brake pads come with indicators. Just like the tread on your tires, these brake pads have indicators that show when they’re worn beyond the recommended level.
Any brake pads that are unevenly worn should be replaced. Check to see if there are any issues with your calipers or wheel alignment that caused uneven wear.
If you hear a squealing sound when you brake, it’s time to replace your pads. Some brake pads include metal clips called squealers. These make a metallic squealing noise when you brake to signal that it’s time for a replacement. Brakes without squealers will begin to make a similar noise when they’re fully worn out, which requires prompt replacement.
Find the Best New Brakes for Your Vehicle
Don’t wait until your rotors are damaged or you lose braking power. Stop by your local auto parts store or shop online to find the best replacement brakes for your vehicle. Search for the exact brake pads by using an online VIN lookup to ensure easy shopping and an exact match to keep your car stopping safely and efficiently.
