How Often Replace Brakes And Rotors?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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As a general rule,

break pads should be replaced every 10,000-20,000 miles, while rotors should usually be replaced every 50,000-70,000 miles

. With that said, it is imperative to get your brakes checked the first time you hear grinding or crunching while braking.

Can I just replace brake pads and not rotors?


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 .

How long do brakes and rotors usually last?

Using cheaper rotors might end up costing you more when they wear out sooner. Your rotors are one of the most durable parts of your car, but the above factors can shorten their lifespan. Expect your rotors to last anywhere from

30,000-70,000 miles

depending on the above factors.

How do I know when my rotors need to be replaced?

  • Vibrating Steering Wheel. If you feel pulsing in the brake pedal and vibration in the steering wheel when you slow down, your rotors could be signaling trouble. …
  • Intermittent Screeching. …
  • Blue Coloration. …
  • Excessive Wear Over Time.

Should I replace all 4 rotors?


You do not need to replace all 4 rotors at the same time

, but it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or back at the same time. If the front brakes need to be replaced but the rear brakes are not worn out yet, then you do not need to replace the rear brakes.

How much do new rotors cost?

How much does it cost to replace the brake pads and rotors? Rotors cost

between $30 and $75 each

. Labor to replace rotors and pads is around $150 to $200 per axle. Brake pads and rotors come out to around $250 to $500 per axle.

How long do brakes typically last?

Average brake life runs

between 25,000 and 65,000 miles

, though some people will have brake pads 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.

What happens if I only replace one rotor?


There is no problem at all replacing a single rotor

. They are sold individually, and can be replaced as such. It is especially important to bed in the pads if you do this, but once the pads conform to the rotors, the stopping power on each side will be the same.

How much are front brake pads and rotors?

Labor at a shop to replace rotors and pads is approximately

$150 to $200 per axle

. Brake rotor and pad repair generally comes out to around $250 to $500 per axle when visiting a professional shop. Calipers are the most difficult and expensive aspect of the braking system to replace.

How do I check my rotors?

Do rotors warp?

Because of this mass amount of heat,

the surface of the brake rotors can become uneven over time, which is often referred to as warping

. This can cause your vehicle's brakes to become jittery and less effective. Brake rotor warping isn't as severe as it sounds.

Which brakes are more important?

The

front brake pads

do most of the work, causing them to wear faster and need replacement more often. When you step on the brakes, your car lurches forward, landing squarely on the front wheels. This is where most of your car's braking power comes from.

Are rotors expensive?


Rotors themselves range anywhere from $30-$80 each

. Those prices depend on the quality, type and brand. In the instances that your rotors can be resurfaced, the price can be considerably less – around $100-$150 per axle.

Can you replace rotors yourself?


Replacing brake pads and rotors is not a hard or long DIY job

. However, this time, it was time consuming. I went to the local parts house, and bought two front rotors and brake pads.

How much does Walmart charge for brake change?

However, Walmart does provide an at-home brake replacement service by Wrench Mobile Mechanic Service

starting from $160

. Walmart also sells brake pads and service tool kits for sedan and 4X4 models.

Can you replace just one set of brakes?

Can You Change Brake Pads on One Side Only?

It is not recommended to get your brake pads changed on one side only

. While it may be tempting since only one side has worn down, replacing brake pads on just one side will only cause further uneven wear and could be dangerous.

Should rotors be replaced in pairs?


Rotors should be replaced in pairs

, and should be the same type (composite or cast) as the original. New rotors are ready-to-install out of the box and should require no additional resurfacing (doing so only shortens their life and risks creating runout and vibration problems).

Should you replace brakes in pairs?

Should all brake pads be replaced at once? The short answer is that

you should think of your brake pads in pairs: front and rear

. If one brake pad has problems or wears down, you need to replace a set at a time.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.