How Long do Brake Pads Last?

Brake pads are an extremely essential part of your car’s braking system. Acting as a buffer between your brake calipers and rotors, they help to apply the friction required for you to stop. Like a pencil’s eraser, they wear down overtime and need to be replaced. If they aren’t replaced on a timely basis, you could not only be looking at pricier repairs, but also a possibly dangerous situation on the road.

So how long do brake pads last, exactly? And when should you change them? We’ll cover that and more as we look at your car’s most important safety system.

Always Check Your Owner’s Manual

One of the best ways to see how long your brake pads will last before they need to be changed is to check your vehicle’s manual. There you will important information about your brakes and information about when you need to get oil changes, tire rotations, timing belt replacements, and other important services. By following these recommended guidelines, you can help to greatly increase the chances of your car having a long, healthy life.

When You Should Change Your Brake Pads

As far as the life of your brake pads go, that’s another story. Like most things, it differs. Recommended dates range from 30,000 miles to 70,000 miles, which is why it is important to check your vehicle’s manual. When you should change them also depends greatly on your driving style. If you are a little harder on your brakes, especially if you make regular, sudden stops, you’re going to wear through them more quickly. Hard stops especially cause your brake pads to crystallize over time, greatly reducing their effectiveness and lifespan.

Come to Cox Chevy for Brake Pad Inspections

If you’ve looked in your manual and found out that you’re overdue for a brake inspection, we encourage you to make an appointment with our service team. Besides maintenance, we also provide auto body servicing, as well as a large inventory of parts available for purchase.

We’re located at 2900 Cortez Road W., in Bradenton. For over 80 years, our family has been serving the Suncoast area with comprehensive, personalized service. We’re here to help you to keep your car running safely and healthily.