United Tire and Service News

Most cars made these days have front and rear disc brakes. Each has a brake caliper containing one or more pistons that press thick brake pads against a metal rotor. The resulting friction causes your wheels to slow to a stop. That friction also removes a very small portion of the pads every time you use your brakes. If the pads wear down too far, though, you will wind up with metal scraping against metal. That can ruin your brakes and cause a potentially serious accident. So, you’re probably wondering how long do your brake pads last and how often do you need them replaced in routine brake service.

 

Brake pads intentionally are designed to be slightly less hard than the steel rotors they grip to make you stop. The slightly softer pads wear down over time and need to be replaced, while the rotors stay mostly intact. Many people wonder: How long do brake pads last? The not-so easy answer is: It depends on how you drive and maintain your car.

If you mostly drive on a freeway, your brakes do not get as much use as when driving in city traffic most of the time. If you regularly maintain your brakes by bleeding the lines and keeping the pads from resting on the rotors when not in use. For most people, a good pair of brake pads on properly maintained brakes should last between 20,000 miles and 30,000 miles.

 

Experienced drivers and mechanics can easily tell when your brake pads need replacement. Brake pads have small metal rivets holding them onto metal backing plates. Symptoms of low brake pads occur when you hear high-pitched squealing or metallic scraping sounds whenever you apply your brakes. That sound tells you at least one of your brake pads has lived out its service life and needs replacement. If you ignore the early signs, later signs include chattering or pulsing brake pedal action caused by increased damage to your rotors and brake pads. If ignored too long, the brakes will stop working altogether. That is downright dangerous. Brakes are an essential system that provides safety by enabling you to stop smoothly and with the vehicle under control. Ignoring them is a mistake too many make until they have extensive damage.

 

United Tire has 13 independently owned stores in the Greater Philadelphia area where you can have your brakes inspected and repaired as needed. Replacing brake pads is a very simple job for a certified technician to do. We have a full selection of top-brand aftermarket parts to give you great options of parts and pricing. You can call our friendly staff and schedule a fast and efficient service on your brakes. We will fully inspect your brakes, bleed or replace fluid as needed, and replace the pads if they are too worn. We also diagnostically inspect your rotors and calipers to ensure they are safe for continued use. Rotors sometimes suffer minor damage, and turning them will restore them to like-new condition. Once we are done with your brakes, your new pads should last another 20,000 to 30,000 miles, with some minor maintenance to ensure longevity and reliable stopping power.