No matter what precautions you take or how well you maintain your vehicle, at one time or another you will need to make repairs to your brakes. When your brakes need to be repaired or replaced, your car won't be as safe until the work is complete because the brakes are so essential to the operation of the vehicle itself.
While there's no easy answer to the question of how long brakes will last, there are several factors that can influence how long your car brakes will last as well as ways to tell if your brakes require attention.
Disc brakes use calipers that look and function essentially as clamps to put pressure on the brake pads, which look like a hockey puck sliced in half. The pads press down on the brake disc (or rotors) and the kinetic energy of your car moving forward is transferred into heat energy thanks to all that friction.
Brake pads play a critical role in making your car stop when you press down on the brake pedal. The pads are integral to your car's entire braking system and are made of flat pieces of steel with thick friction material on one side, which stops the wheels.
There are multiple types of brake pads, though all are made from material that maximizes friction. Different materials can resist higher temperature and friction requirements. Referring to your car manufacturer's recommendations is a good first step. However, if you do any performance modifications to your car, you'll likely need to upgrade the brake pads. Looking for the softest brake pads on the market? Here are some options:
Softest brake pads available. These do wear down rather quickly and will generate a lot of brake dust.
These fit most newer car models currently sold. The metal components make them more heat resistant; however, they are a bit less effective in colder temperatures.
While significantly more expensive than the others, ceramic brake pads are built to perform at a higher level. These pads must be warmed up properly, which makes them impractical for daily use.
There is no universal rule regarding how long brakes will last because there are so many factors that can speed up or slow down the degradation of your brakes. Here are a few scenarios that impact brake pad wear:
If you drive roads through hills or mountainous areas, you will wear down your brakes faster than someone living and driving on flatter terrain. Additionally, city driving is much worse for brakes because of the prevalence of stoplights, stop signs and traffic, unlike driving long, straight country roads that don't have so many stops.
The material of your brake pads can influence how long they last. Carbon-ceramic brake pads last longer but are expensive and therefore not as common, whereas steel and metal brakes are much more typical but don't last quite as long.
Driving behavior can make a difference in brake longevity as well because someone who drives more aggressively is more likely to frequently slam on their brakes, causing more wear and tear. Experiencing sudden pulling in one direction or the other? It could be your brakes wearing unevenly. Learn more here.
Some sources will tell you that 50,000 miles are a good, general guideline. Others may indicate a number anywhere between 25,000 to 70,000 miles with some people trying their best to get to 100,000, although that is not recommended. While having a number to guide you might seem helpful, keep in mind that the difference in the range is almost twice the circumference of the Earth.
One of the most essential systems in your vehicle is the braking system. Without brakes, your car wouldn't be able to deaccelerate and prevent accidents, which is why it's so important to be vigilant in maintaining the brakes in your car. While there's no set brake replacement schedule that's universal to all vehicles, locations and driving conditions, there are ways to tell that your brake performance is declining. Replace the cap on the valve stem and move on to the next tire.
When your mechanic replaces your oil or rotates your tires, they will also check your brakes to see the amount of wear and to ensure there are no issues. Between visits to your mechanic, your ears might be your best bet for detecting brake issues.
Try listening for squealing or grinding brakes. If you hear either sound, take your car to an experienced mechanic right away, especially for grinding brakes because this could be a sign that the brake pads have been worn down to the metal plate that holds them and could be damaging your brake discs. This can be very dangerous because you might not be able to brake quickly enough to prevent an accident.
Before you will be able to hear squealing or grinding in your brakes, you may be able to tell that your brake pads are wearing down a bit if you press the brake pedal and notice it's falling closer to the floor. This could also be a sign that your brake fluid is leaking. If you notice a change in your brakes' performance, check with your mechanic.
Of course, noticing gradual changes in your brake pedal can be difficult when you drive your vehicle every day, which is why regular visits to an experienced mechanic are so important. Also, if you notice a vibration in your car each time you use the brakes, you might have warped rotors. While this was something that could be repaired in the past, mechanics typically recommend completely replacing warped brake discs today.
Learn how to deal safely with squealing brakes here.
Here are a few tips to help extend the lifespan of your brakes:
Avoid stomping on the brakes abruptly. This can help reduce the wear and tear on your brakes. Similarly, release your foot from the gas when you see signs of slowing traffic or a need to begin to stop.
Drive in lower gears if you're headed downhill or over a pass on dry pavement. When you balance engine braking and pump your brakes, you allow your brake system to cool. Riding the brakes down a long hill generates friction. The longer the hill, the more friction and heat you generate, and the greater the wear on all brake system components—pads, shoes, fluid, brake calipers, rotors or drums and hoses.
When driving, spot a stationary object ahead of you and count to three. If you notice yourself passing that object before you count to three, then that's a sign that you need to back off some and leave more space. Over time, you can reduce the stress on your brakes.
The cost of replacing car brakes can vary. Mechanics typically charge hourly rates for maintenance work, and then there are the added costs of parts.
The cost to replace brake pads can range between $35 to $150 for all four wheels. And labor can run between $80 to $120 per axle. Because brake pads can last anywhere between 30,000 to 70,000 miles, it's best to check when you have your car serviced to see how you're brake pads are performing to determine where they are in their general lifespan.
Additionally, if you need new rotors the cost can range between $30 to $75 each. If you are in need of a higher-quality rotor, you can expect to pay a bit more.
You can save yourself some money if you choose to make this a DIY project. If you know what you're doing, then the DIY route may be for you. You'll need to purchase brake pads, brake rotors and brake calipers.
If you want to learn more about how Synchrony can support your car maintenance needs, learn more about Synchrony Car Care today.