ANSWERS: 1
  • There are may variables that can help the longevity or lack thereof concerning your brake pads. On average, pads can last up to 35,000 miles or more--or they can smoke out in 10,000 miles. Different vehicles employ different braking systems and there are some vehicles on the road that have been manufactured with less than adequate brakes. In these cases, check to see if Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued on your vehicle.

    Getting More Mileage Out of Your Pads

    Brake pads are designed to be softer then the rotors which they rub against upon slowing the vehicle down. Because of this, they will wear down the more you brake. People with standard transmissions can downshift to lower the speed of their vehicles. While this may let the brakes last longer, they will eventually wear the clutch out more. People with automatic transmissions don't have the luxury of downshifting unless they employ the lower gears of their transmission, which will cause more wear on the transmission. So what is the best balance to get more longevity out of your brake pads? Keep a good distance between you and the car in front of you. Tailgating or following too close creates situations where you are forced to break every time the car in front of you does, or you may have to slam on the pedal if they stop too fast. By following at a safe distance brake use can be regulated. Have the brakes inspected at every tire rotation service or oil change service. This will help determine if uneven or premature wear is occurring.

    Brake Pad Quality

    There are many different types and grades of cars. So it is not hard to understand that the same goes for pad quality. The higher the grade of brake pad, the longer they will last. However, changing up your pads for a higher qualit may cause a slight side-effect in that the vehicle may not have been designed for this use. High quality brake pads may employ ceramic or other abrasive components in the composition. These pads may effect the braking performance of the vehicle or produce a prominent squeal when the brakes are applied. Because of this, and in addition to the pricing of these higher quality brake pads, many mechanics may stay away from choosing them for customers to decrease performance complaints. No one wants to spend extra money on brake pads only to hear them squeak or squeal on demand. A mid-grade pad may offer a better solution. Although it will wear more quickly than a high grade, it will produce less side effects and it will last longer than a low-grade pad.

    Variables

    People who brake less often and allow more room in front of them can get a few thousand more miles out of their pads, and in some instances, quite a few thousand more. Other variables not in your control are the vehicle's weight and braking system design. Upgrades to higher quality brake pads and rotors can help you get more longevity from your brake pads when the originals wear down. If you brake less, no matter what grade of brake pad you have, it's common sense they will last longer.

    Source:

    Brakes and How They Work

    Brake Pad Replacement

    How to Diagnose a Brake Problem

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy