How Often Should You Change Your Brake Pads?

The process of determining how often to change your brake pads isn’t an exact science. Your ears will give you the answer if you pay attention.

How often do you need to change the brake pads? The answer will depend on the specific configuration of the vehicle and the typical terrain, in addition to the routines of those who frequently drive it. Find out more.

When Should You Change Your Brake Pads?

Any mechanic will inform you it’s time to replace your brake pads if the lining is within the 3 to 4 mm area.

For context, you should know that the average size of the new brake liner is 12mm. The initial portion of the life span of your brake pad is typically a breeze. When it’s worn beyond 6 millimeters, it is important to watch for signs to tell you it’s time. Brake pads are made of a burr that is pressed against the rotor with a distance of 3 millimeters with a loud squeal that signalizes you to change the brakes. Also, what should you do in the event that your car shakes while you brake?

Do not ignore this warning squeal. If you ignore this warning, it can lead to damage to the rotors in the beginning, scoring, and then overheating and eventually even causing them to warp when the pads wear down to zero. The ideal scenario is to spot the problem before you hear the distinctive squeak, so you’ll be able to save your brake rotors and budget accordingly. Take into consideration the cause, as well as DIY solutions for brakes that smoke.

How to Monitor Brake Pads?

In general, it’s an excellent idea to measure the thickness of the lining on your brake pads each time you change your oil. The majority of shops that offer brakes will automatically test the pads for you every time they change the oil since they are looking to sell additional services. It is also possible to check them on your own. If they are within the 3- to 4-millimeter range, that squeal could be too far away. You can schedule an amount of time to have them replaced or repair them yourself.

A concrete example: The linings of the ceramic brake pads of your car are tested over the course of eleven months of service (at about 23,000 miles/year) and reveal 7 millimeters are remaining. Even though this is to be in what is considered to be the “good” range (first 6 millimeters of wear). Keep a check on these pads moving forward as they move through the latter part of their useful life.

How Long Will It Take For Brake Pads To Wear Out?

It is based on the following factors such as your driving habits and the material that your brake pad’s lining is constructed.

Speeding, last-second brakes, and miles driven in town or in stop-and-go congestion (versus the highway) all influence how fast the pads on your brakes wear. In addition, driving in mountainous countryside, where constant brakes on the downhill are required, is also a burden on the worn-out brake pads.

The softer brake-lining materials like organics tend to wear out faster and need replacement more frequently. Metallics wear the rotors more severely. Ceramics are a combination of the best features of both but are more expensive. Be aware that the information isn’t helpful once the pads have worn out; however, it can provide you with information on the costs of brake replacement and deciding on the best kind.

The damage is caused by overheating. Glazed brake pads have only a little friction when stopping brake rotors. They are also risky. This could happen when you brake quickly in the event of an emergency or use the brakes for a long time time. They’ll be smooth and may appear clear or crystallized. You might also notice that the stopping distance of your car is increasing, sometimes dramatically. However thick they are, the brake pads are cracked; ensure that they are replaced as quickly as possible.