When to Replace Brake Pads and Other FAQs
Properly functioning brakes are key to road safety, but there are financial reasons to replace high-wear components like brake pads and brake shoes. No matter what you drive, replacing your brakes on schedule and addressing issues at the first sign of a problem, and Garfield Auto is always here to help.
What Are Brake Pads?
Brake pads are the dedicated wear component of your vehicle’s braking system. There are two types of brakes on passenger vehicles, and while they both use friction to stop your car, they work a little differently.
Disc brakes use pads of organic, metallic, or ceramic substances to press against a rotor or disc on the turning wheel. The friction slows the vehicle down. Over time, this friction wears down the pads and the rotor, ultimately requiring replacement. Disc brakes are standard on the front axle of modern vehicles, as well as the rear axle of some models.
Drum brakes use a brake shoe or half-moon-shaped component that presses against a drum attached to the wheel. Today, drum brakes are only used on the rear axle of cars, but not on all models.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace Car Brake Pads
Both disc and drum brakes wear out over time, losing just a thin layer of material every time you apply the brakes. As the material wears down, it exposes the steel plate behind the pad, which decreases stopping power and ultimately damages the braking system.
There are a few common signs that it’s time to replace your brake pads, including:
Squealing brakes
Some brake pads have wear indicators designed into the pads themselves. When a pad gets worn down to a certain point, this small metal attachment causes a loud squeal or screech so you know it’s time to get your brake pads replaced. Remember that brakes may squeak when exposed to moisture or grit, so listen for the screech for a couple of different drives to avoid false alarms.
Less than a quarter inch of brake pads
You might be able to visually inspect and measure pads to see how worn they are. This isn’t always possible without removing your wheel, so consider bringing it in for a quick inspection.
Metallic grinding brakes
Severely worn brake pads will make a low metallic grinding sound. This isn’t just worn or bad brake pads; it’s the brake rotors making contact with the backing plates, likely damaging the system. Get your vehicle in soon for service and prevent more problems!
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
Brake pads should last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Brake pad lifespan depends on several factors, including:
Driving habits - Urban driving and its frequent stops wear out pads faster.
Brake pad material - Ceramic pads cost more but tend to last longer. Semi-metallic pads tend to last a little longer than metallic pads. We’ll help you choose the right brake pad material for how you drive and your budget.
Related: How Long Do Headlights Last?
How Much Are New Brake Pads?
The cost of new brake pads varies based on the manufacturer, type of pad material, and other factors. Most pads cost between $35 and $100, before labor. Remember that brake pads should always be replaced in pairs, so you’ll always buy two pads at a time. Depending on how you drive and past replacement patterns, you’ll usually only have to replace front or rear brakes at a time.
All Your Car Brake Questions, Answered
Stop in at Garfield Auto and get all your brake questions answered! In addition to quality automotive repairs, we take a lot of pride in educating our customers so they feel confident in making decisions on maintenance and repairs. Get to know your car or truck inside out with our friendly technicians’ help; schedule an appointment today!