The question of how long do brake pads last has been asked time and again. Unfortunately the answer isn't a simple one, as most people aren't exactly sure how their vehicle is built and what it's made of. They also don't understand that different types of rubber have a different lifespan. That means that it's important to pay attention to how you care for your vehicle as this will ultimately determine how long your brakes will last. If you want to find out how long they'll last, read on and I'll explain some factors which affect them. This information will help you maintain those brakes and save money in the long run!
Naturally, brake pads are made out of rubber which is an extremely durable material. They're incredibly tough, but as with any material they must be properly maintained and serviced in order for them to be at their optimum lifespan. Obviously if you drive your car regularly then this shouldn't be too difficult a task, however if you only drive once or twice a year then you'll need to take more into consideration.
The amount of usage a braking pad gets will affect how long do brake pads last. This is down to how long the rubber stays in good condition. If you just use it once or twice a year, then most manufacturers will recommend that you should replace them before this period of time runs out. This is because brake dust sticks to the internal rubber parts which then slowly deteriorate over time. Over time a smaller number of these smaller rubber components will break down and stop working.
If you use your brakes hard then you will build up a build-up of dirt and grease on the pads themselves. As well as this, there will be small pieces of road debris stuck to them during normal driving. The end result of which is that your vehicle's brake system is not able to function as effectively as it should. When you first start to notice problems with your car then it is a good idea to get the vehicle serviced to determine exactly what the problem is. A qualified technician will be able to tell you how long do brakes last and how to best fix them.
Brake pads need to be serviced and inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are working well. In fact you should have the brake pads check done every 6 months when you first purchase the car. However, while these inspections may seem unimportant, they are extremely important. Braking system components wear out. There are two indicators of this occurring. The first is that the indicator light on the dashboard begins to flicker or turn off.
Another indicator is that the pads themselves begin to squeal as they come into contact with the road. It is quite common for drivers to hear this happening. As you are driving the car you should be monitoring the brakes to ensure they are not slipping as you apply pressure to them. If you notice either of these happening then you should begin to replace them. Typically when you replace pads there is a noise associated with them. This is due to the cartilage in the pads wearing out as they are being replaced.
When it comes to deciding how long do brakes pads last, it all depends on how much use they are put to. Driving fast and hard will cause your pads to wear out much quicker. As well, if you are frequently changing over the pedals the pad you are using will probably break down much faster than others. If you follow proper brake maintenance practices then you should have little issue with the performance of your brakes. However, if you are involved in accidents then the damage can be significant.
Over the life of a vehicle the front brakes pads are prone to a large amount of wear and tear. Due to the fact that the majority of vehicles use the standard brake system on all models they will perform equally regardless of how long do brakes pads last. However, if you have an older vehicle or a vehicle with a weak or broken brake system then you will need to replace them sooner rather than later. In most instances, replacing them before they are too worn out is not only cost effective but will be less risky when you are involved in an accident.