There is nothing worse than hitting your brake pedal and hearing the telltale squeak that ensues when it’s time to replace your brake pads. This may have you wondering how often brake pads need to be replaced. Driving with pads that are worn out can result in serious accidents or fatalities and should be avoided.
Most manufacturers say that brake pads will last between 25,000 miles to 75,000 miles depending upon the materials used to make the pad and the driving conditions.
To learn more about the lifespan of brake pads and ways to help them last longer continue reading.
Types of Brake Pads and the Differences Between Them
As briefly mentioned above, there are three main types of brake pads. The type of vehicle and style of driving will play a large part in which type of pads your vehicle should have.
Ceramic
Ceramic brake pads are oftentimes the most expensive option, but for good reason.
A ceramic brake pad generally lasts longer for the following reasons:
- Ceramic pads are less noisy than other types and stay cooler
- Great for daily driving and some high-performance driving
- Offer a solid feeling brake pedal
- They are made of ultra-strong ceramic fibers to ensure a long lifetime
- They are the cleanest option because they do not generate brake dust
The downside to a ceramic brake pad is that they sometimes do not perform as well in very cold temperatures and they are not intended for heavy-duty use.
Organic (Non-Asbestos)
Organic brake pads are typically composed of a combination of materials bonded together with resin. Not always, but in many cases when a vehicle comes off of the assembly line it will have organic brake pads installed.
These are generally the most economical option but they can come with some drawbacks such as:
- They are not designed to withstand heavy-duty or high-performance driving conditions
- They produce a lot of brake dust which can make a mess and require more cleaning
- They tend to wear out more quickly than the other options
Now, let’s move on to semi-metallic brakes.
Semi-Metallic
This type of brake pad is made up of different metals. These materials are combined with resin and other hardening agents to make a durable long-lasting brake pad that can be used for just about any vehicle.
Although semi-metallic pads do produce a lot of brake dust and can cause extra wear and tear to your rotors they are a good option because they are less susceptible to getting hot and they offer more reliable stopping power.
Now that you understand the differences between brake pad types we will get to the heart of the matter and discuss the lifespan of brake pads.
What Affects Brake Pad Lifespan?
As defined at the beginning of the article, the lifespan of a brake pad is usually referred to by miles rather than length of time. The reason for this is that some people drive more than other people.
Let’s say you purchase pads that are recommended to last 75,000 miles, if you only drive around 25,000 miles per year your brake pads should potentially last three years.
Conversely, if a person spends most of their days in a vehicle they could easily drive over 50,000 miles in a year which would mean that they need to replace their pads sooner. It is all relative to individual driving habits and the type of pads being used.
Factors that affect the lifespan of a brake pad are:
- Geographical location and conditions
- How frequently the vehicle is driven
- Manual versus automatic transmission
- Materials used to make the pad
- The driving style of the operator
The condition of the rest of the braking system can also have an effect on how long your pads last. For example, if you have a caliper going bad it could potentially cause your brake pads to wear unevenly or in some cases even cause the pad to separate into layers when compressed wrong.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Brake Pads
Although there is no guarantee as to how long your brake pads will last, the following list can help to extend the life thus reducing the frequency that they need to be replaced.
Avoid Frequent, Sudden Stops
Although not always possible, the more sudden stops and brake tapping you have to do the longer your brake pads will last.
Lighten Your Load
The more weight in a vehicle the harder your brakes will have to work to stop. Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle to help lighten the load.
Purchase Quality Parts
The brand of brake pads you purchase can make a big difference in the performance. There is a saying that you get what you pay for and with brake pads that is very true. Ask an experienced mechanic or auto part store to see what they recommend.
Slow Your Roll and Go With the Flow
Avoid tailgating, try to coast when possible, and give yourself plenty of time to stop so you don’t have to use the brake as much. Don’t be in such a rush to stop.
Lifespan Depends Upon Driving Habits and Quality of Pad
As you can see it can be difficult to determine how many years brake pads will last due to the various factors mentioned in this article. Keeping an eye on your brake system in conjunction with good driving habits will help your brake pads last longer so you aren’t spending unnecessary money or having to worry about whether or not you are going to be able to stop.