Wondering How Many Miles Should Brakes Last?
Well maintained brakes are vital for driving safely. The primary components of the braking system, (the calipers, pads, and rotors) are subject to much wear and tear during the normal course of driving and will require brake repair at some point in time. The rate at which these components wear actually depends on several factors, such as:
- Driving habits: How hard a driver steps on the brake pedal affects how long brake pads last. Some drivers ride the brakes and stop hard abruptly, while others gently coast to a stop. Smooth, gradual braking is the better way to come to a stop.
- Environment: Stop-and-go traffic in the city is harder on brakes than driving out in the country or on long straight roads. Driving in mountainous areas with steep elevation changes can wear brakes out quickly as well because it's often necessary to ride the brakes to control your downhill speed.
- Weight of vehicle: Don’t overload your vehicle more than determined by the manufacturer for optimum stopping power—calculated on the weight of the vehicle plus passenger and cargo limits. Towing heavy loads, such as trailers or boats, is also a contributing factor in wearing out brakes.
- Hard vs soft compound pads: Brake pads are available in different compounds to suit different driving needs. Hard compound pads, more common on performance cars, last longer, but usually need to be warm before they perform well. Soft compound pads perform better at low speeds, as in urban areas.
- Materials: The materials that make up the brake rotors and pads also factor into the durability of brakes. Carbon-ceramic brakes last longer (they are also more expensive and used on high-performance sports cars) than standard metal brakes (much more common and more than adequate for the average driver).
So how many miles should brakes last? Generally, depending on the factors above, brake pads need to be replaced about every 50,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual for your specific car. If your brakes look worn out or are starting to lose their stopping performance, they should be replaced. Properly functioning brakes are key to predictable braking and safe driving!
Wondering how many miles should brakes last? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Well maintained brakes are vital for driving safely. The primary components of the braking system, (the calipers, pads, and rotors) are subject to much wear and tear during the normal course of driving and will require brake repair at some point in time. The rate at which these components wear actually depends on several factors, such as:
- Driving habits: How hard a driver steps on the brake pedal affects how long brake pads last. Some drivers ride the brakes and stop hard abruptly, while others gently coast to a stop. Smooth, gradual braking is the better way to come to a stop.
- Environment: Stop-and-go traffic in the city is harder on brakes than driving out in the country or on long straight roads. Driving in mountainous areas with steep elevation changes can wear brakes out quickly as well because it's often necessary to ride the brakes to control your downhill speed.
- Weight of vehicle: Don’t overload your vehicle more than determined by the manufacturer for optimum stopping power—calculated on the weight of the vehicle plus passenger and cargo limits. Towing heavy loads, such as trailers or boats, is also a contributing factor in wearing out brakes.
- Hard vs soft compound pads: Brake pads are available in different compounds to suit different driving needs. Hard compound pads, more common on performance cars, last longer, but usually need to be warm before they perform well. Soft compound pads perform better at low speeds, as in urban areas.
- Materials: The materials that make up the brake rotors and pads also factor into the durability of brakes. Carbon-ceramic brakes last longer (they are also more expensive and used on high-performance sports cars) than standard metal brakes (much more common and more than adequate for the average driver).
So how many miles should brakes last? Generally, depending on the factors above, brake pads need to be replaced about every 50,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual for your specific car. If your brakes look worn out or are starting to lose their stopping performance, they should be replaced. Properly functioning brakes are key to predictable braking and safe driving!
Wondering how many miles should brakes last? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
