How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

Brake pads are a vital component of every vehicle. They allow you to stop safely in a range of situations and are crucial for avoiding collisions.

The pads, fitted in the caliper, are pushed into the sides of the brake disc when you press the brake pedal, and the resulting friction allows you to bring the car to a stop.

It follows, then, that keeping your braking components working properly is an important safety concern. Brake pads can wear out over time and should be checked regularly for the safety of yourself and others.

It’s good to have an idea of how long your brake pads will last (as well as when to replace them), and most manufacturers say their pads last somewhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. But it’s important to keep in mind that this depends on a range of factors - we’ll outline these below.

The Type of Brake Pads

Organic Brake Pads

These brake pads use materials containing non-metallic fibres (mostly fibreglass, rubber, and Kevlar). They are quiet and cheap, but are only suitable for normal daily driving and won’t last a particularly long time.

Metallic Brake Pads

The material of these brake pads lends them durability. Low-metallic brake pads can be rather noisy, but their longevity makes them more desirable than organic ones.

Similarly, semi-metallic brake pads - made up of fused metal particles - offer very efficient braking performance, but their material quality may wear the brake discs down a little faster than other kinds.

Ceramic Brake Pads

These are the longest-lasting of all types of brake pad. They are much more resistant to wear, with ceramic being very strong and able to withstand a wide range of temperatures.

Ceramic brake pads are ideal for those looking for supreme braking performance and durability, but they do come with a price tag.

Driving Style and Condition

Where You Drive

If you drive regularly in high traffic areas where lots of stopping and starting is required, your brake pads won’t last as long as if you spent most of your driving time cruising down the motorway.

How You Drive

How long your brake pads last can also simply come down to how many miles you drive. The more you drive, the more you use your brakes, the sooner your brake pads wear down.

Carrying heavy loads can also influence your brake pads’ lifespan, as they have to work harder.

Your driving style has an impact, too - with careful, gradual braking being better for your brake pads than frequent, sudden stopping, which is more dangerous overall.

Maintenance

To get the most miles out of your brake pads, you should consider the best ways to maintain them.

Having your brake pads checked once a year and replacing them if necessary is crucial for your safety and the longevity of the other braking components.

Make sure you also check your brake fluid regularly and listen out for warning signs surrounding your braking, including noises, slower braking times, or an unusual feeling when pressing the brake pedal.

Get Your Brakes Checked

If you’ve not had your brakes checked in a while, or you’re concerned that you might need some new ones, why not book in for an inspection with our friendly team at a centre near you?