How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

Having up-to-date brake pads is an important aspect of your vehicle’s safety and performance ratings. At Fremont Motor Companies, we’ve written this guide to getting all you can out of your vehicle’s brake pads, including how long they last. We look forward to providing this helpful info to our customers in Scottsbluff, Nebraska; and Sheridan, Riverton, Lander, Cody, Casper, Rock Springs, and Powell, Wyoming.

How Long Will My Brake Pads Last?

While there’s no hard and fast rule on this interval, there are some recommendations in place. The typical brake pad will last 40,000 miles on average, though its actual parameters are a lot more extensive than that. Generally speaking, a brake pad can last from 20,000 to 65,000 miles. What defines the lifespan of your vehicle’s specific brake pad are your driving habits and the type of brake pads you utilize.

If you’re the kind of driver who’s always on the move, putting heavy mileage on your engine, your brake pads will have a shorter lifespan. This is because you’ll be engaging your brakes more often than a driver who has a more relaxed or balanced driving life. The fewer miles you put on, the less you’ll engage your brakes and the brake pads will survive longer.

How Will I Know When to Change My Brake Pads?

Much like any other piece of equipment in your vehicle, when something begins to wear down or needs to be changed, you can expect to see some type of sign or malfunction. Here are just a few of them to look out for the next time you hit the road.

One example is experiencing vibration when you apply the brakes. This can often signify that your vehicle’s braking system needs expert care. It can also mean that an element of the braking system, such as warped rotors, has created uneven brake pad wear.

If you notice a loud grinding noise when hitting the brake pedal, this is a sign the brake pads need to be replaced immediately. This noise is due to some brake pads having metal wear indicators that alert you the pads need replacement by emitting that sound.

Another sign is that your brake pads look too thin. Through visual inspection, you can see if they appear to be less than a half-inch or 6.4 mm thick. If so, prepare to get them changed sooner than later.

Schedule Your Service With Us!

Now that our customers in Scottsbluff, NE; and Sheridan, Riverton, Lander, Cody, Casper, Rock Springs, and Powell, WY, have read our guide about how long brake pads last, it’s time to act. When your vehicle needs new brake pads, schedule your service with us at Fremont Motor Companies!