Keeping up with your vehicle’s regular maintenance needs can be a chore, but avoiding necessary upgrades and part replacements could mean even more costly repairs down the road. One of the most important parts of your car that you need to keep track of are your brake pads. Do you know how long brake pads typically last on your car, and do you have a local brake services provider nearby for replacements?
Don’t worry, the experts at Brakes 4 Less are here to walk you through everything there is to know about the care and longevity of your brake pads.
The Typical Lifespan of Brake Pads
There is no set time or mileage when it comes to the wearing of your brake pads. Manufacturers place the average lifespan of a brake pad between 20,000-70,000 miles, and this gap is so large because the lifespan really comes down a wide range of factors, including your personal driving habits, what kind of brake pads you use, what kind of transmission your car has, the terrain you typically drive on, and the current condition of your brake rotors and calipers.
Tips for Making Your Brake Pads Last Longer
If you’d like to avoid the hassle of getting your brake pads replaced on a regular basis, there are a few things you can do to increase the longevity of your current brake pads. The best part is, all of these things are completely free!
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- Drive Slower. When your car is already moving at a slower speed, you don’t have to exert as much force when braking. The less stress on your brakes, the longer it will take for your brake pads to wear out. While it is important to follow traffic laws and not go too far under the speed limit, this is a great reason to follow the laws of the road and avoid a hefty speeding ticket.
- Lighten The Load. Check to see if there is anything in your car that might be adding unnecessary weight. Do you have heavy items in your trunk or backseat that you can get rid of? When your car isn’t weighed down by extra baggage, your brakes aren’t straining under the pressure that they would otherwise need to exert in order to stop a heavy object-laden car.
- Practice Engine Braking (Manual Transmissions Only!). If you have a gear-shift, you can practice “engine braking” by removing your foot from the accelerator pedal and downshifting gear by gear in order to effectively slow your roll without the use of your brakes. Do not try to do this in a vehicle with an automatic transmission though, as this will damage your car’s systems.
Signs That It’s Time for New Brake Pads
Your car is equipped with fail safes that allow your vehicle to emit clear indicators that let you know it’s time for a service. Brake pads are no different. Here are a few signs that it’s time to visit a brake shop to get some new brake pads:
- Your brake system warning light comes on.
- There is a squealing noise when you brake.
- Your car pulls to one side or tries to wander when you brake.
- It takes longer than normal to reach a full stop.
- You’re not sure exactly when you last replaced your brakes.
Getting New Brake Pads: Where to Start?
If you are experiencing one or all of the above signs, then it’s time to replace your brake pads. Some people may want to DIY a brake pad replacement, and while this is perfectly acceptable for someone who has experience or training in this field, this should never be attempted by an amateur. One mistake could mean damage to your vehicle, or yourself. If your brakes fail because you didn’t properly replace your pads, you hold all of the responsibility for anyone involved in the subsequent crash.
It’s a good rule of thumb to take your car in to a professional service provider when you need to get your brake pads replaced. If you’re not sure which auto shop you should go to, don’t worry. There is a team of brake experts who are just around the corner.
Trust Brakes 4 Less for All of Your Brake Pad Needs
Brakes 4 Less can perform a free brake inspection to make sure that your car’s brake system is operating as it should, as well as brake replacement services if needed. We keep our prices competitive, and guarantee same-day service when you bring your car in before 4:30 p.m. When you need a reliable brake pad replacement service, trust the team at Brakes 4 Less! Call with questions or to schedule a service: (866) 588-7867
