How Many Miles Before I Change My Brake Pads?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Average brake life runs

between 25,000 and 65,000 miles

, though some people will have last beyond 80,000 miles. While it's impossible to give an exact number, the 40,000-mile range is the general mileage to keep in mind when planning for vehicle maintenance.

How often do you need to replace brake pads?

As a general rule, you should get your brake pads replaced

every 10,000 to 20,000 miles

to keep wear to a minimum. When it comes to your rotors, you have a bit longer. Your rotors should be replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles to keep your brakes in peak health.

How do I know when my brakes need changing?

  1. Squeaking or Squealing Coming From Brakes. …
  2. Grinding Sound When Braking. …
  3. Vibration When Braking. …
  4. Taking Longer To Stop. …
  5. Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On. …
  6. Your Brake Pads Appear To Be Thin.

Should you replace all 4 brake pads at once?

But, when changing brake pads, should you do all four at once? Well, first,

you absolutely should replace both front or both rear brake pads at the same time

. Unless something's really wrong, one should be wearing out at about the same rate as the other.

How much does it cost to get your brake pads changed?

The average brake pad replacement cost is

$150 per axle

, and can range from $100 per axle up to $300 per axle. There are a few other pieces of hardware that are found in the brake system which might need to be serviced as well, including calipers and rotors, but the most common service will be to replace brake pads.

Is it OK to just change brake pads?

Yes, but it depends on the condition of your brake rotors. If they aren't damaged or thinned beyond the discard thickness,

you can definitely change just the worn brake pads

. What's discard thickness? It's the minimum thickness for rotors, as specified by the rotor or vehicle manufacturer.

Do front brakes wear faster than rear?

Your

front brake pads will also wear down faster than your rear pads

. The front of your vehicle handles a lot more weight transfer as you brake, causing more wear. Over time heat and friction also contribute to brake pad wear.

Are front or rear brakes more important?


Front brakes wear quicker than

because they do most of the stopping. Front brake rotors are usually vented and have fins sandwiched between the two surface, while rear rotors are usually solid metal discs.

How much should a full brake job cost?

A complete brake repair — one that includes pads, rotor and caliper replacement — typically averages

between $300 and $800

. However, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you can easily spend more than $1,000 on a complete brake job.

How much does Midas charge for a brake job?

Midas: Midas charges roughly

$80 per hour

for labor costs when working on brakes. They charge about $50 for a brake drum package, $60 to replace brake fluid, and upwards of $800 for a complete caliper and rotor job.

Are premium brake pads worth it?

However, premium brake pads

will outperform them

in some areas. Premium pads can have an increase in stopping power and a decrease in brake fade. … Some drivers may be able to notice a better “brake feel” when using high-end pads and rotors as the braking experience may seem smoother and more precise.

What happens if you wait too long to change brake pads?

When

the brake pads deteriorate to the point where the calipers are grinding against the rotor

, the calipers can be destroyed right along with the rotor. … It's not worth risking your safety by waiting to replace your brake pads, and you may end up doing more damage and paying more due to your delay.

Is it OK to put new brake pads on old rotors?

If new brake pads are put onto a vehicle with damaged rotors,

the pad won't properly contact the rotor surface

, reducing the vehicle's stopping ability. Deep grooves that have developed in a worn rotor will act as a hole-puncher or shredder and damage the pad material as it is pressed against the rotor.

What happens if you only change brake pads and not rotors?

But, if the rotor is within thickness specifications, run out can be eliminated by turning the rotor on a brake lathe. Run out causes vibrations that you can feel in the steering wheel or the driver's seat when you step on the brakes. If you don't replace the rotors when needed,

you risk brake failure

Why do rear brakes last longer than front brakes?

Usually, it's the front ones that wear faster, NAPA explains. That's because braking shifts the car's weight forward, which means the front rotors need to be stronger, NAPA explains. But there is a reason why rear brake pads can wear faster than expected:

traction control and electronic stability control

.

Why do rear brakes wear slower?

But there is a reason why rear brake pads can wear faster than expected:

traction control and electronic stability control

. Besides (for some cars) the tire-pressure monitoring system, your ABS is linked to the ESC and traction control, Motor Trend reports.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.