The brake system is one of the crucial parts of your vehicle that ensures your safety. It has many components like brake pedals, calipers, pads, rotors, etc. Each plays an important role working silently in the background to help slow down or stop the car at the desired time and location. In this blog, we will discuss “brake pads“, one of the key components of your car’s braking system. The key focus of the blog will be “How long do brake pads last“. Detailed information about their average lifespan, factors affecting their longevity, need for replacement, and maintenance will be provided. Now let’s delve deeper-
What is a brake pad and how it works?
A brake pad is a part of the braking system. It is fixed in the brake caliper on the disc of a car’s wheels. They generate friction to squeeze the brake disc, thus slowing down and stopping the car when the brake pedal is pushed. Let’s understand how they work in detail-
- When you push the brake pad, the brake fluid is sent through hoses to the calipers.
- The caliper squeezes the pads against the discs.
- The brake pads and rotors come in contact to create friction to further slow down or stop the vehicle.
- When you release the brake pedal, the brake pads are also released and the fluid moves backward through the hoses.
- The vehicle can move again.
What is the average lifespan of brake pads?
With time, the brake pads wear out due to the stress they bear while slowing down or stopping. However, they can run for a long time if maintained properly. On average, they can last for 30,000 to 70,000 miles. One cannot measure how long the brake pad lasts. If you’re someone who drives in heavy traffic or requires frequent braking, there is a high possibility that you’ll have to replace them sooner. On the other hand, if you drive on highways or do not require frequent braking, they are likely to last longer. This indicates that the more you use your brakes, the earlier they will be worn out.
Factors that affect brake pad lifespan
Several factors affect the lifespan of your vehicle’s brake pads. thus, gaining in-depth insights into these factors is important to get the most out of them and increase their lifespan.
Material: Their lifespan depends on their material. Different types of materials like organic, ceramic, and semi-metallic are used to make them. Each type of material offers a different lifespan. For example, ceramic pads have longer lifespans than semi-metallic and organic pads.
Driving habits: Your driving habits have a huge impact on brake pads’ lifespan. Aggressive driving, frequent braking, and sudden stops can reduce their longevity. Meanwhile, gentle driving reduces their wear and tear.
Road condition: The road you’re driving in affects the wear and tear of brake pads. Driving on roads with steep inclines and declines increases strain on the brakes further causing damage to the pads.
Weather conditions: Driving in extreme hot or cold temperatures affects the longevity of your brake pads. Due to cold weather, they become hard, whereas excessive heat can make them wear out faster.
Vehicle type and weight: The brake pads of heavier vehicles are likely to wear out faster. As heavier vehicles require more force to stop, they wear out faster.
Signs your brake pads need replacement
Just like other vehicle parts, the brake pads need replacement over time. If not replaced, you might not be able to slow down or stop the vehicle properly at the desired time and place. This increases the possibility of accidents, thus it is crucial to determine whether they need replacement or not. Here are a few signs that they need replacement-
- Reduced thickness of brake pad.
- Grinding and squealing sounds from the brake pad.
- Vibrations while pressing the brake pedal.
- Illuminating brake pad indicator light.
- Longer time for slowing down and stopping.
If you notice any of these signs, do not wait further. They are already giving you signs to replace them.
How to maintain brake pads for longevity?
Proper maintenance of brake pad is crucial to keep them used for a longer run. You can adopt the following ways-
- Do not practice aggressive braking.
- Keep a regular check on brake fluids as it can make them wear out early.
- Do not overload the vehicle.
- Select good quality so that they last longer.
- Perform regular inspections and take it for maintenance if you notice any signs of wear.
Conclusion
Brake pads are designed to last but their lifespan depends on you! The question that how long they last depends on several factors such as your driving habits, road conditions, weather conditions, brake material, and weight. By keeping a check on them, you can identify when they need replacement. Also, gentle driving habits and regular maintenance can increase their lifespan. A little investment in maintenance can save you from costly repairs.
Get yourself a premium quality replacement of brake pads at JCBL India. Here, we manufacture and supply brake pads and automotive spare parts for replacement that meet the quality of International Standards. Visit us to check out our complete range of products.
FAQ’s
How often should brake pads be replaced?
Generally, the brake pad needs replacement after 30,000 miles. However, its wear and tear depends on its type, braking frequency, and driving environment.
Can I replace my brake pads myself?
Yes, if you have basic mechanical knowledge and skills. But, if you are now familiar with the vehicle’s parts, it is better to get them changed from mechanical as your safety depends on them.
Are the front and rear brake pads wear same?
No, there is a difference in wear of the front and rear brakes. The front brake pad wears out faster as they have to handle more strain and weight while braking.
