How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

Your brakes are the most important safety feature on your car. So, it’s important to know how long your brake pads will last before needing replacement. Some can last for more than 80,000 kms, but some only last around 30,000 kms. This all depends on the quality of the brake pads fitted, your driving style, and the type of car you own.

Reasons That Will Determine How Long Your Brake Pads Last

Brake pads are a high wear car part due to the substantial pressure they are put under when stopping. That’s why the way you brake and the kind of braking you do are the biggest factors that determine how long your they will last. Harsh continuous braking typical of city driving can halve the life of your brakes when compared to high way use.

Apart from that, the quality of the brake pads used can also have a real impact on how long they will last. Brake pads made from materials with an inconsistent quality will usually wear quicker than those with high grade materials. It’s normally advisable to use high quality aftermarket parts hat are OEM approved.

Why Front Brake Pads Usually Last Longer Than Rear Pads

If you’ve owned a car for a while you will have noticed the front brake pads wear out faster. This is because front brakes are subjected to a lot more stress as they are burdened with more weight transfer when braking.

Manufacturers engineer braking systems for most of the braking strain to be on the front brakes to ensure better stability. This is why the front brake discs usually have a larger diameter than the rear.

Other Factors That Reduce Brake Pad Longevity

It is important to keep in mind that driving with old and worn down brake pads will result in a costly fix. Worn out pads will damage your discs. The metal on metal friction is what causes a squeaking noise when breaking. If this is the case, it’s advisable to replace both the discs and the pads. If you only replace the pads but not the worn disk, those brand-new brake pads will wear down much faster. Worn disks also heat up quicker negatively impacting your stopping distance, making your car less safe to drive.

Michanic recommends that you inspect your brakes regularly and use your brakes wisely when driving. Keep safe following distances, use your gears in combination with your brakes, and anticipate when you are going to need to stop. Doing this will save you money on brake pad repairs in the long run.

We understand that your car plays an important part of your daily life, transporting you and your loved ones. Michanic is dedicated to providing the most convenient services for our customers, so if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your car, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email at [email protected], or by phone on 087 803 9000.

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