Brake Pads Replacement Costs: How Long My Car Brake Pads Last & How Much to Replace Them

Brake pads are key components of a vehicle's brake system, responsible for generating the friction needed to slow down or stop a car. So, it is crucial to make sure your brake pads are functioning properly. The brake pads should be replaced in time to avoid the poor braking performance of the car. This article provides detailed information that you must know about brake pads, their work, the cost to repair worn brake pads, etc.

What Are Brake Pads on Cars?

Brake pads on cars are composed of flat steel plates with a thick layer of friction substance on one side. These brake pads are significant components of the car braking system and help slow or stop the car. When the driver applies the brakes, the brake pedals push the brake pads against the rotating brake disks, which causes friction. They rub against the wheel, thus slowing it down while helping to stop the vehicle. Since these brake pads wear out with time, they must be replaced often to see that your car's brakes are in good condition and, most importantly, safe to use.

What Do Brake Pads Do?

A car’s brake pads are the part of the braking mechanism that rubs against the brake discs to slow your vehicle whenever you press the brake pedal. This friction transforms the car’s motion into heat energy to reduce the wheel’s speed, thereby halting the car.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

The lifespan of the car's brake pads differs depending on several factors, such as the way that driver uses the car, the type of car, and the surfaces that the car is most frequently used on. Car brake pads typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, so they will need to be replaced at some point. However, if you frequently drive through a heavy traffic area or if you are always driving in hilly regions, your brake pads will wear out more quickly and need a brake pad change. This is why it is wise to have the brake pads checked often and have them replaced when they are worn out to ensure efficient braking performance.

The lifespan of brake pads will also depend on the type of material used in brake pads. Different types of brake pads, like ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic, have varying lifespans. Ceramic pads last longer and produce less dust compared to semi-metallic or organic pads.

How Do I Check My Brake Pads?

How to check brake pads? To check your brake pads, you can follow these steps:

• Visual Inspection: Try to see the gaps between the spokes of the wheel. You can see the brake pads to be fixed on the brake callipers. You can see how much of the pad material is left, and sometimes they are visible through the wheel. If the pad thickness is less than 1/4 inch or about 6mm, then it will be advisable to replace the brake pad.
• Unusual Sounds: Make sure to listen out for any sound that is strange for the car or any sounds such as squeaking or grinding when the brakes are used. Squeaking might also be a sign that the pads are thin while grinding must suggest that the pads are very thin and require brake pad replacement soon.
• Vibration or pulsation: If you experience some sort of vibration on pressing on the brake pedals, it might be a sign that your brake pads are worn or there might be an issue with the braking system.
• Check for Warning Lights: Warning lights are the brake pad wear indicators that a few cars might have on their dashboard. They will light up when the brake pads are worn. It is important to look at your car's manual to see if there are specific indicators for brake pads.

For a thorough inspection, especially if you are unsure about checking brake pad issues yourself, it is best to have a professional mechanic check your brake pads during regular maintenance.

What Factors Influence the Lifespan of Your Brake Pads?

It is obviously "Mileage" that your car travels. Driving behaviours, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, are likely to lead to early wearing out of brake pads, among others. As you put more pressure on the front brakes and pads than the back, the front brake pads are likely to wear out sooner. Here are some other factors that may cause brake pad wear outs.

• Driving Conditions: Driving your car in heavy traffic areas, in hilly areas, or where it involves towing heavy loads, need excessive pressure to activate the braking system, which leads to quicker wear of brake pads.
• Vehicle Types: Moreover, if the car has a high-performance engine, it needs a lot of force to be applied to the brakes to stop the vehicle. So, vehicle type is also one of the key factors that may cause faster wearing of the brake pads.
• Irregular Brake System Maintenance: This will adversely affect the brake pad durability if you fail to monitor fluid levels and notice issues with the brake system regularly.
• Quality of Brake Pads: Brake pads with high-quality material, such as ceramic pads, can typically last longer and perform better than lower-quality alternatives.
• Brake Pad Installation: The installation that you choose should be precise since it will determine the performance of your overall braking system. If pads are mounted in the wrong manner or misaligned, then the pads tend to wear out faster, and this causes them to have a short life span and require replacing.

Finally, monitoring your car's brake system and the thickness issues of brake pads early can help you identify any signs of wear and tear problems and enhance the durability of the brake pads.

When To Replace Brake Pads?

Brake pads need to be replaced when they start making a squeaky noise or become worn out. This is one of the most factors you need to know when to replace your brake pads to ensure you have a car in good condition. Here are some key signs and guidelines to help you determine when it is time for a replacement of your brake pads:

• Squeaking Noises: Most brake pads have a self-generated wear warning system in the form of a squealing noise when the pads are worn. You must know that this sound signifies that your brake pads are worn out and need replacement soon.
• Grinding Noises: A grinding noise is a sign that the brake pads are worn out and are likely to damage the brake rotors. This needs immediate attention and a replacement as soon as possible.
• Increased Stopping Distance: If you find out that it is a little more difficult to bring the vehicle to a complete stop or that the brakes are less responsive, then it may be time for brake pad replacement.
• Vibrations: If the brake pedal vibrates when braking, it may be due to wear outs of brake pads or warped rotors. It needs a replacement for brake pads.
• Thick Brake Dust: Excessive brake dust on your car’s wheels is likely to damage the brake pads. Again, it is not an absolute sign showing that the time for pad replacement has come, but it should serve as a signal to examine the pads’ state.
• Mileage: As discussed already, brake pads are usually recommended to be replaced after 30,000 to 70,000 miles. But this depends on vehicle type and the driving habits, so it is recommended to go through the car's manual to learn more detail about mileage.

It is advisable to have your brakes checked and replaced by a professional if you find that you are experiencing any of the above signs. They can always give you a professional analysis and can also guarantee that your braking system is in the best condition.

How To Change Your Brake Pads?

Replacing your brake pads at home is one of those satisfying jobs that can be done without the help of professional mechanics if you only have some essential tools and know safety measures. Here is a general step-by-step guide on how to replace brake pads:

Tools and Supplies Needed:

• New brake pads
• Car jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Socket sets or wrenches
• C-clamp or brake calliper tool
• Brake fluid (if needed)
• Anti-squeal lubrication (optional)
• Safety gloves and goggles

Steps to Change Brake Pads:

1. Preparation:

• Park Safely: Park your car safely and turn off the engine and switches to disable the electric system and use the parking brake.
• Loosen Lug Nuts: Slightly turn the lug nuts on the wheel that you will be changing, but do not take them off completely.

2. Lift the Vehicle:

• Jack Up the Car: Lift the car with the help of the car jack. But before you do it, make sure that it is well supported by jack stands for safety reasons.
• Remove the Wheel: Unbolt the lug nuts and remove the wheel to reveal the brake mechanism.

3. Locate the Brake Pads:

• Find the Calliper: Brake pads are normally located inside the brake calliper, the half-circle-shaped part presses down on the brake rotor.

4. Remove the Calliper:

• Unbolt the Calliper: Using the socket set or the wrenches, you can remove the bolts that hold the calliper. Slowly and carefully remove the calliper off the rotor. It is wise not to let it hang by the brake line, but you can fix it with a wire or even a bungee cord.

5. Remove Old Brake Pads:

• Take Out the Pads: Pull the old brake pads in the calliper bracket out with the lip side towards the wheel. Look how they are situated, as you will have to install the new pads in a comparable way.

6. Compress the Calliper Piston:

• Use a C-Clamp: Put it over the calliper and the brake rotor or use the brake calliper tool to force the calliper piston back into its case. This must be done to create space for the new and thicker brake pad material. Do this slowly to avoid damaging the calliper.

7. Install New Brake Pads:

• Insert the Pads: Center the new brake pads on the calliper bracket in the same manner as the previous one. Make sure that they are properly anchored.

8. Reinstall the Calliper:

• Position the Calliper: Place the calliper back over the new brake pads and make it rest on the rotor.
• Bolt the Calliper: Tighten the calliper bolts according to the manufacturer's specifications.

9. Reassemble the Wheel:

• Replace the Wheel: Reattach the wheel and tighten the lugs with your hands.
• Lower the Vehicle: Release the car and let it return to the normal position, after that, you take off the jack stands.
• Tighten Lug Nuts: After successfully loosening the lug nuts, a lug wrench should be used to tighten them in a zig zag fashion for better tightening.

10. Test the Brakes:

• Check Brake Fluid: Check the brake fluid level and ensure that it is at the correct level; if not, add it with the necessary fluid.
• Pump the Brakes: Before going on the road, pump the brake pedal several times to let the brake pads seat properly and make the brake pedal feel firm.

11. Test Drive:

• Drive Carefully: Do a test drive at low speed and monitor the functionality of brakes. Check for noises, if any, because that indicates a sign that there is something wrong.
• Check the Manual: When replacing brake pads of your vehicle, make sure you are checking a service manual for instructions or torque settings.
• Safety First: If there is any step that you are in doubt in changing brake pads or the simple tools are not available, then it is advisable to let a professional car mechanic do the brake pad replacement. If you find the process challenging or if you come across some complications in the process, then it is advisable to consult an expert.

Cost To Replace Brake Pads

How much are the new brake pads? The cost can be as low as £100 and go up to £300 per axle, depending on several factors such as the vehicle type, brake pad material, and the charges of professionals.

Ceramic pads, which are normally costlier, may come at £150-£300, but the better semi-metallic or organic pads will cost as low as £100-£200. Sometimes this price refers to both the parts and the labour,but it is better to get a breakdown before you proceed with the replacement. Additional costs may be included if the brake rotors must be replaced or repaired.

Can I Replace My Own Brake Pads?

However, car owners can replace the brake pads of their vehicle if they have the required tools, expertise, and knowledge of the process. By following detailed instructions and safety measures, you can replace the brake pads on your own. Although the installation is easy, one must understand the brake system, lift, and secure the vehicle, and pay extra attention while fitting the disks. If you have any questions regarding any part of the process or do not possess proper tools to do the job, it is always better to get a professional mechanic to do the job at hand safely and effectively.

How Do I Choose Brake Pads for My Car?

Choosing new brake pads involves determining several factors to guarantee excellent performance and compatibility with the vehicle. First, go through the instructions specified in the manual to find the preferred type of brake pads for your car.

However, brake pads are of various categories, for instance, ceramic type, semi-metallic type, and organic type, with each of them providing a special quality. Another common material used in brake rotors is ceramic; they are extra quiet and durable but cost more. Semi-metallic pads provide good performance and have a longer life cycle, whereas organic pads are cheaper and less durable than the semi-metallic ones.

Also, remember the driving habits and the conditions that can influence the wear of pads. For instance, if you drive mostly in the city or if you pull heavy equipment, you may need more durable pads like ceramic from well-known brands.

Should You Replace the Brake Disks at The Same Time?

It is generally a good idea to replace brake discs (rotors) at the same time as brake pads, particularly if they are worn or damaged. Here is why:

• Wear Compatibility: Using new brake pads and worn-out rotors may not perform optimally, resulting in uneven wear and sometimes reduced braking performance as compared to new rotors. In this case, if the rotors are scored, warped, or below the minimum thickness, replacement of these rotors is considerable to ensure better contact with the new pads.
• Performance: Replacing both the pads and the rotors makes it easy and effective to have the smoothest braking system. It prevents issues such as vibration, noise, or reduced braking efficiency.
• Cost Efficiency: The idea of replacing both the components together at once could be viable and prove to be cheaper in the long run. It is also possible that pads wear out while the rotors remain in a good state, but the time you decide to replace the rotors, you will incur labour costs again if you did not do it during pad replacement.
• Safety: It is important to ensure that both components are in good condition for safe braking. Whenever the rotors are damaged, the braking power of the car will be reduced, which could be dangerous.

However, if the conditions of the rotors are fine and meet the manufacturer's standards, then they do not require any replacement immediately. The only way of knowing whether it is time to completely replace them or just put on a new layer is through a professional inspection.

Are brake pads checked as part of an MOT test?

Yes, brake pads are checked during MOT tests as they are important components of the brake system. The tester checks their condition for adequate thickness and for compliance with the legal standards for use. Also, the discs and lines are checked to ensure that the brakes perform effectively and safely. If the brake pads are detected to be less than the stipulated minimum thickness or in bad shape, then the 'MOT' test is failed until the brake pads are replaced.

How Can I Measure Brake Pad Thickness?

Brake pad thickness can be measured with the help of a brake pad gauge or a micrometer. First lift the car safely, then take out the wheel to access the brake calliper. Place the gauge or the micrometer in between the brake pad and the rotor to determine the thickness of the brake pad material. The thickness must be compared with the minimum thickness required by the manufacturer, which ranges from about 3–4 millimetres, to decide whether to change the pads or not. Checking the thickness of brake pads regularly will ensure the best braking system and safety in the car.

FAQs on Car Brake Pads

1. What is the minimum thickness for brake pads?

The minimum thickness of brake pads should be 3 to 4 millimetres to meet legal safety standards.

2. How many miles do brakes pads last

Most brake pads can last for 30000 to 70000 miles, but this depends on the driving conditions and habits of the car owner.

3. When to replace brake pads

Change brake pads when they measure between 3 to 4 mm thick, or you notice any usual signs like squeaky noises or grinding as well as reduced braking performance.

4. What is the standard brake pad depth when new?

According to the standards, the brake pad depth should be between 10-12 mm new, and when it comes down to 3-4 mm it requires replacement.

5. How many brake pads does a car have?

A car will have four brake pads, with two pads on each axle at the inner and outer sides of the disc.

Conclusion

Brake pads are essential for vehicle safety, as they play a key role in stopping the vehicle and preventing accidents. Checking your brake pads regularly and replacing them before they get too thin helps keep your brakes working well. However, it is important to note that brake pads are typically considered wear-and-tear items and are not covered under certain warranties, such as the MOT Test Warranty offered by Warranty Direct. Our warranty excludes routine service items, including brake pads, which require regular replacement. Therefore, while maintaining your brake pads enhances safety and extends the life of the braking system, drivers should be aware of their responsibility for these replacements as part of routine vehicle care.