Brake pads are an important part of your car when it comes to safety because they make it possible to create the friction and force to stop your car. Not all brake pads wear the same, and likewise, even the same brake pads can wear at different rates in different circumstances or environments.

To help you better understand typical brake pad wear, our auto repair experts explain reasons why brake pads can prematurely wear out and how to extend the life of them.

** Editor's Note: This blog was published in August of 2016 and revised on June 14, 2019 to include new information and updated industry trends.**

Typical brake pad wear:

What causes brake pads to wear out is general, day-to-day use, plus mileage incurred, the surrounding environment and/or the personal driving habits of the owner(s).

1. For example, a city driver will use their brakes more than drivers that use the highway with little traffic, or drivers that live in rural areas.
2. Speed plays a factor as well. Those who do a lot of small, low-speeds stops are going to be easier on their brakes than those who have to do heavy braking at higher speeds. Braking at low speeds doesn’t affect your brake pads as much as heavy braking at higher speeds. For this reason, congested highways are the main culprits that cause brake pad wear. Your front brake pads will also wear down faster than your rear pads. The front of your vehicle handles a lot more weight transfer as you brake, causing more wear.
3. Over time heat and friction also contribute to brake pad wear.
4. Which axle your brakes are on will also influence how much wear and tear your pads sustain. Your car naturally does the majority of its braking with the front brakes, so those pads will wear faster than the rears.

It’s important to remember that brake wear is not an exact science. Some brake pads will last up to 70,000 miles, while other drivers might need to replace them as early as 25,000 miles. The type of vehicle you drive, how you use your vehicle and your driving style are all factors to consider.

How to make brake pads last longer:

So what can you do to get the most out of your brake pads? Believe it or not, the answer is more than likely far simpler than you think. In fact, the easiest thing you can do is simply change the way you drive in order to reduce the wear and tear on your pads. A few small changes in your driving style will not only make you a safer driver, but make your brake pads last longer as well!

Here are a few things you can do to help keep your car’s brake pads working properly for longer:

1. Drive with the flow of traffic to avoid any unnecessary heavy braking.
2. Give yourself plenty of following distance from the car in front of you so you can coast to a nice, easy stop.
3. Remove any unnecessary weight from your vehicle.
4. Keep your speed low in heavy traffic and avoid any sudden braking.

You can also take care of your brakes by spraying off your rotors when you wash your car. As you brake, dust accumulates on your rotors, which adds extra friction to your pads when they engage, shortening their lifespan. Cleaning your rotors off when you wash your car keeps them smooth and allows your brakes to engage cleanly without the extra wear and tear.

Brake Inspections & Services:

Maintaining your brakes is extremely important, and changing your pads and rotors when they wear out is critical to your safety. If you notice one or more of the following symptoms of brake wear

We recommend scheduling a brake inspection or service if you notice one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Squeaking, squealing or grinding
2. Pumping the brakes is required to stop
3. Soft or spongy brakes
4. Stiff or hard brakes
5. Leaking fluid
6. The brake light comes on
7. When the pads get below about 25 percent of their total thickness when brand new.

Schedule Your Service at Christian Brothers Automotive

At Christian Brothers Automotive, we offer you a full range of comprehensive brake system services, including everything from brake pads, drums, rotors, brake shoes, calipers, hoses and more. We know the importance of your brakes, and we offer quality workmanship and premium parts to ensure your car stays safe and performs at its best!

Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive and schedule a brake service for your vehicle today!