Brake pads are even more forgotten, despite the fact that they play a critical role in your car\u2019s health, as well as your and your family\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n
While many attribute a car\u2019s stopping ability to the entire braking system, the brake pads are the culprits you should be most thankful for. Pressed into the\u00a0brake rotor, a brake pad\u2019s friction surface halts your momentum and keeps you from making the evening news. Like tires, oil, coolant, and batteries, brake pads wear out over time and through use. But determining how long brake pads last may seem outwardly complicated to the uninitiated.<\/p>\n
In actuality, it\u2019s pretty easy, as is determining how much life you still have left in your brake pads.<\/p>\n
Brake pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all of which can be categorized into three types: non-metallic organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. Each pad variant has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the vehicle and the driver\u2019s mission. Let\u2019s get learned.<\/p>\n
Non-Metallic Organic<\/strong><\/p>\n Not to be confused with the dangerously toxic asbestos brake pads, non-metallic organic brake pads use organic fibers within the friction surface of the brake pad. Though quieter than semi-metallic brake pads, non-metallic organic brake pads wear the fastest of all brake pads.<\/p>\n Semi-Metallic<\/strong><\/p>\n Semi-metallic brake pads are the most common brake pad used. The friction surface is made up of embedded metallic fibers to help reduce the amount of brake fade at high heat. They produce larger amounts of brake dust compared to a ceramic pad.<\/p>\n Ceramic<\/strong><\/p>\n Ceramic brake pads are the most expensive of the lot, but that\u2019s because they offer the most performance and longevity too. These pads are made of ceramic and copper fibers embedded in the friction surface. They\u2019re designed to wick away heat with less fade and reduce the amount of brake dust put out.<\/p>\n Your average brake pad is engineered to last about 50,000 miles, though driving styles, use, and environmental factors play factors in their longevity. Performance-oriented brake pads trade durability for enthusiastic driving and repeated abuse while bargain brake pads trade durability for affordability.<\/p>\n Each car, truck, and SUV manufacturer will denote how long your brake pads are good for in your car\u2019s owner\u2019s manual or on its website. Aftermarket brake pads will display their engineering lifespan on the box that the brake pads come in.<\/p>\n Well, lead-foot Larry, you may be driving a bit too enthusiastically. Hard stops, sharp stabs, and poorly modulated left-footing braking can all affect your brake pads\u2019 health. Other variables include faulty brake calipers, air in your hydraulic brake lines, or leaving your\u00a0car sitting for more than a year.<\/p>\n How, then, do you know if your brake pads are worn?<\/p>\n Figuring out that your brake pads are caput is sometimes painfully obvious. You may lose braking pressure and performance, or if you\u2019re super unlucky, crash into the rear of your garage.<\/p>\n You may also hear a squeaking noise emanating from your\u00a0brakes. Brake pads consist of the friction material which pushes against the brake rotor to halt your momentum, the backing plate that slots into the\u00a0brake caliper, and the slot. The slot is a small crevice that, when worn down and nearing the end of its life, will cause the brakes to emit a sharp and unmistakable squeaking noise.<\/p>\n Trust us, you\u2019ll know it when you hear it.<\/p>\n No! With a little know-how and a few tools, replacing your brake pads is a solid beginner DIY project. If you\u2019ve never done it before, consult a guide and give yourself ample time to complete the job, as you want to ensure you do it right. Because if you don\u2019t, well, crashy, crashy.<\/p>\n Replacing brake pads takes about two to four hours depending on the car, how many pads you\u2019re replacing, and how stocked your toolbox is.<\/p>\n Brake pads range from $30 to $50 but could reach a couple hundred dollars depending on the car (e.g. a\u00a0Porsche Taycan\u00a0won\u2019t have the same brake pads as a\u00a0Nissan Versa).<\/p>\n Over the years,\u00a0The Drive\u2019s<\/em>\u00a0editors have replaced the brake pads of everything from a 1991 Plymouth Acclaim, to a 2001 Dodge Durango, a 1998 BMW 323 iS, a 1970 Opel GT, and a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, along with a few others. Here are our pro tips for determining if your brake pads are good.<\/p>\nHow long do brake pads last?<\/h3>\n
Why do my brake pads wear out quickly?<\/h3>\n
How Do I Know If My Brake Pads Are Worn?<\/h3>\n
Is It Hard To Replace Brake Pads?<\/h3>\n
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Brake Pads?<\/h3>\n
Pro Tips For Determining If Your Brake Pads Are Good<\/strong><\/h3>\n