How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

Your car's braking system relies on several different parts working together, such as the rotors, calipers, and brake pads. From time to time, you'll need to replace those parts to keep your brakes working like a well-oiled machine.

Since the brake pads endure the most wear, they'll need to be replaced more frequently. But, how long do brake pads last? Brake pads typically last 30,000 to 70,000 miles depending on various factors.

For drivers near Miami, Hollywood, and Miami Beach, our team at Audi North Miami dives further into this with our guide below. Read on to learn more and, if need be, schedule brake service to ready your car for your next drive around town.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

Now, we come to the most pressing question: How long do brake pads last before you need to replace them? The general rule of thumb is anywhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, depending on factors as diverse as the make and model of your vehicle, the materials the pads are constructed from, and your own personal driving habits.

You can check your owner's manual to see how often your brake pads should be inspected and, if necessary, replaced. If you drive an Audi luxury vehicle, you should have the thickness of your brake pads checked every 10,000 miles, but other manufacturers may recommend different service intervals.

What Do Brake Pads Do?

As mentioned earlier, brake pads are a part of a larger system that translates your pressing down of the brake pedal into physical force that stops the car. When you press that pedal, the brake pads will contact the brake rotors and cause friction to slow them down.

Ultimately, this helps slow down and stop your car. However, that's only when the brake pads are working correctly. Over time and through repeated contact with the rotors, they'll start to wear out. This makes stopping your ride a bit trickier, so it's important to make sure the brake pads are regularly inspected, serviced, and replaced.

How to Extend Brake Pad Life

There are ways that you can extend the lifespan of your brake pads. We mentioned before that your driving habits can wear down the pads quickly. So, you'll want to moderate your speed as much as possible when driving. If you continue to speed and then slam on the brakes, you'll put unnecessary wear on the pads.

You can also consider lightening your load. If you're carrying a lot of extra items in your trunk, maybe take out some that don't need to be there. The more mass in your vehicle, the more brake power is needed for slowing down and stopping. Simply remove extra weight, and you'll help the brake pads last longer.

We also mentioned that the type of brake pads your car has can affect how long they last. There are several types of brake pads that you can choose from, such as:

• Semi-Metallic: It's the most common type of brake pad and made of steel wire or wool, then graphite or copper, and then friction modifiers-containing about 30% to 65% metal. While they're very durable and transfer heat well, they can be quite noisy and wear down the brake rotors quickly.
• Non-Asbestos Organic: This type of brake pad is made from organic materials like fiber, glass, rubber, and Kevlar. These pads are softer and don't create as much noise as semi-metallic ones. However, they do tend to wear down faster and can create a lot of dust.
• Ceramic: These brake pads are primarily made from ceramic fibers and other filler materials. Although they can be the most expensive type of brake pad, they're generally cleaner and produce much less noise and dust than the other kinds.

Signs Your Brake Pads Are Wearing Out

While the above tips are helpful, there's only so much you can do before the brake pads start wearing down.

If you're not sure how long it's been since you've last had the brake pads inspected, simply keep an eye out for the following warning signs...

• Car pulls to one side: If this happens as you brake, there's a strong chance your pads are wearing unevenly and need to be replaced.
• Noisy or vibrating brakes: This can happen as brake pads accumulate too much dust or wear too thin, and it's a key sign you need new ones.
• Squeaking or squealing noises: Squeaky brakes can be normal in certain weather conditions, like after a rainstorm. However, having squeaking or squealing brakes all the time may indicate a problem, and should be looked at as soon as possible.
• Deep metallic grinding sound: This usually occurs when the brake pads have become so worn that they're starting to rub against the brake rotor. If you don't get the pads replaced soon, you risk damaging the rotors.
• Indicator light appears on the dash: Some vehicles have an indicator light that'll tell you when the brake pads need to be replaced. If you see this light appear on the dashboard, then you'll need to have a professional examine the pads right away.
• Visual check: Usually, you can see the brake pads through your wheels. Check them for thickness, and if they're less than 1/4 of an inch thick, you should consider replacing them as soon as you can.

Have Your Audi Brake Pads Checked Today!

Like any aspect of vehicle maintenance, brake pad service is key to keeping your car running in a secure and reliable manner. If you're ready to schedule a brake inspection, contact Audi North Miami, your one-stop shop for automotive service near Miami, Hollywood, and Miami Beach.

At our state-of-the-art facility, you'll find a team of highly trained and certified technicians. Here, they'll use cutting-edge technology to inspect your braking system, diagnose any problems, and apply good solutions. As a result, you can get back to cruising the streets of Florida in no time.

So, don't wait. Schedule your brake pad repair or replacement today!