How Often Do You Need To Change Brake Pads

Oil changes, tire rotations and brake pad replacements are all important pieces of vehicle maintenance. About manufacturers recommend irresolute the oil and rotating the tires every 3,000 to five,000 miles, only what about the restriction pads? Information technology turns out that the reply to the question "when should I supercede my restriction pads" is non equally simple.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

It's difficult to predict exactly how long brake pads last. Their life expectancy depends on several factors, including the type of brake pads y'all install, route atmospheric condition and driving habits. Some people need to supervene upon their brake pads later 25,000 miles, just others expect as long as 75,000 miles.

How Driving Conditions Affect Brakes

Restriction pads work by applying friction to the brake rotor. Equally you press the brake pedal, you lot push the pads down on the spinning rotor. This slows the spinning movement until it stops completely. If you press the restriction frequently or like to wait until the last minute before using the brakes, y'all wear away the pads quicker than someone who brakes gradually.

Driving in the urban center wears abroad restriction pads faster than driving on the highway. Each fourth dimension you stop at a end sign or traffic light, you lose a fleck of the brake pad. Yous're also more than likely to restriction abruptly in the city, especially if someone in front of you suddenly changes lanes. If yous drive in the mountains or pull a trailer, you also need to replace your brake pads more oftentimes. The extra pressure on the vehicle makes your brakes work harder.

Brake Pad Materials

The type of brake pad you choose affects how oft yous have to supersede them. Organic brake pads tend to wear away the quickest, especially if you drive at loftier speeds or similar to "ride the restriction." However, they remain a popular choice considering they're more affordable and less noisy than metallic brakes. Ceramic or metal brake pads tend to last longer than organic brake pads, but they price more money.

Signs of Worn Brake Pads

Ane of the nigh commons signs of worn brake pads is a squealing or scraping noise when yous press the brake pedal. This happens because of an indicator built into the brake pad that makes noise when the pad wears away. If this progresses to a grinding sound, the pads may have worn away and so much that the discs and calipers rub together.

You lot may notice other signs as you bulldoze. If the steering wheel vibrates when yous press the brake pedal, there may be a problem with the restriction pads. This also happens when the rotors are warped, so it's a skilful idea to have this checked as soon equally possible. Similarly, if the brake pedal goes all the fashion to the floor when you press it, information technology'due south time to inspect the brakes.

How to Inspect Your Brakes

If y'all doubtable your brake pads are wearing thin, you can visually inspect them. Look through the spokes of the wheel and locate the restriction pads sitting on peak of the rotor, or restriction disk. Minimum thickness of the pads should exist at least one-quarter inch. If it looks similar less material is left, it's time to get them inspected.

You lot tin too ask your mechanic to check the brakes each time yous accept the vehicle in for an oil change. Having a professional person audit the brakes every few months makes it possible to take hold of potential problems. This also saves you lot time since you can get the oil alter and restriction pad replacement done at the same time.

Brake Pad Replacement: DIY or Mechanic

If you don't have the time or desire to save some coin, y'all can replace your brakes on your own even if your vehicle has an ABS restriction system. Make certain yous have the tools you need to remove the caliper and caliper bracket to access the brake pads. After taking out the old brake pad, supercede the retaining clips and insert the new pads. And so, reassemble the brakes.