How Long Do Brake Pads Last? Signs Your Brake Pads Need Replacing

Brake pads are designed to wear out. Every time you stop, a little of the pad material is used up. The
question isn't whether they'll need replacing, but when, and how to tell before it becomes a safety
problem or a bigger bill.

Brakes have been our specialty since 1980. Here's what we tell customers.

How long do brake pads last?

There's no single answer. Brake pads can last anywhere from tens of thousands of kilometres to well
over 50,000km, and it comes down to how and where you drive.

Pads wear faster with:

• Stop start city driving and heavy traffic
• Towing, or carrying heavy loads
• Hilly or mountainous roads
• A heavier vehicle, like a loaded 4WD
• Hard or late braking

Pads last longer with:

• Mostly highway driving
• Smooth, early braking
• Lighter loads

Front pads usually wear faster than rears, because the front brakes do most of the work. The best guide
is a regular inspection, usually at each service.

Signs your brake pads need replacing

Squealing when you brake. Many pads have a small metal wear indicator that squeals against the rotor
when the pad gets thin. It's designed to be annoying so you don't ignore it.

A brake warning light. Some cars have electronic wear sensors that trigger a light on the dash when the
pads are low.

Grinding or scraping. This usually means the pad material is gone and metal is contacting the rotor. Stop
driving and get it checked straight away. It damages rotors quickly and seriously reduces braking.

Longer stopping distances or a soft pedal. If the car takes longer to stop or the pedal feels different,
have the brakes inspected.

Thin pads. If you can see the pads through your wheels, check the thickness of the pad material. Many
mechanics recommend replacing pads at around 3mm.

Vibration through the pedal. This often points to rotor problems, but it's worth checking pads and
rotors together.

Why are my brakes squeaking?

Squeaky brakes don't always mean worn pads. Common causes include:

• The wear indicator, telling you the pads are due
• Morning moisture. A light squeal for the first few stops on a damp morning is often just
   surface rust on the rotors, and it usually disappears quickly
• Brake dust built up between the pad and rotor
• Glazed pads or rotors, from heavy braking or overheating
• Missing or worn anti squeal shims or hardware

If the noise doesn't go away after a few stops, or it's getting worse, have your brakes checked.

Do I need new rotors too?

Not always. When pads are replaced, the rotors should be measured. If they're still above the
manufacturer's minimum thickness and in good condition, they may be fine, or they can sometimes be
machined to restore a smooth surface. If they're worn, warped, scored or below minimum thickness,
they need replacing.

Fitting new pads to badly worn rotors reduces braking performance and wears the new pads faster.
Always replace pads in axle sets, both front wheels or both rear wheels together.

Choosing new brake pads

The right pad depends on how you drive. Everyday commuting, towing and performance driving all suit
different pads. Use the part finder to see the brake pads that fit your car, including ranges from DBA,
TRW and Brembo. If you're replacing rotors too, see our brake rotors.

Brakes are safety critical. Unless you're experienced, have new pads fitted by a qualified mechanic.

Brake pad FAQs

How long do brake pads last? It varies a lot with how and where you drive. City driving, towing and
heavy loads wear pads faster. Have them checked at every service.

Is it safe to drive with squeaky brakes? A brief squeal on a damp morning is usually harmless. A squeal
that doesn't go away, or any grinding, means you should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.

Should I replace brake pads and rotors together? Not always, but rotors should be measured whenever
pads are replaced. Worn or damaged rotors need replacing with the pads.

How often should brakes be checked? At every scheduled service, and any time you notice noise,
vibration or a change in how the brakes feel.

Talk to a brake specialist

Not sure what you need? Give us a call on 02 9413 3166 or visit us at 113 Fullers Rd, Chatswood. You'll get a straight answer from people who know brakes.