Rear brakes how long last

On average, brake pads should be replaced every 40, to 50, miles, but that number can differ depending on driving conditions and styles. The good news is, you'll likely experience minor symptoms when your brake pads are getting towards their end of life, making diagnosis and repairs easy. Here are 6 common signs it's time to replace your brake pads. If your brake pads are near the end of their useful life, the first symptom you'll begin to notice is a squeaking or squealing noise coming from the brakes.

Squealing brake pads are typically caused by excessively worn down pads. Once you've worn down your pads enough you'll start to experience a grinding noise, at which time you'll also begin to damage your rotors, making the cost of repair even more expensive. Like we stated above, if you're experiencing a grinding noise while you're applying pressure to the brake pedal, your brake pads need to be replaced ASAP.

Some brake pads have built in metal wear indicators, which are designed to make a loud noise and alert you that it's time to replace the pads. If you leave the brake pads to continue grinding, you're opening yourself up to a lot more damage and higher repair costs.

Vibration when you apply the brakes is another sign that your vehicle's braking system is in need of professional help. As the brake pads touch the moving rotors, they both wear down over time. Many factors can influence the life of your brake pads, including your driving habits, where you travel, and the materials your brakes are made from. If you brake hard often or tend to ride the brakes instead of coasting to a stop, your brake pads could need replacing sooner.

When possible, use smooth, gradual braking to make your brake pads last longer and improve the comfort and safety of your ride. Driving in urban areas is usually harder on your brakes than driving in the country or on long, straight roads. Drivers in cities need to brake more often because of traffic lights, stop signs, and traffic jams. If you drive in places with steep hills, you could also wear out your brakes more quickly by using them to control your downhill speed.

Brake pads can be made from many different compounds to suit a variety of driving needs. Harder brake pads last longer, but they usually need to be warm before they perform well. However, too much heat can melt the brake pad onto the brake rotor and reduce brake performance. That means people with these brake pads should avoid lots of hard braking or extreme maneuvers.

The brake calipers will contact the rotors directly, leading to excess heat and damage. Pay attention to these signs that your brake pads need replacing to prevent additional expenses and keep yourself and your passengers safe.

A screeching or squealing noise when you apply your brakes is the most common sign that you need new brake pads. Most manufacturers include thin metal strips in their brake pads. This noise is usually audible even when the windows are up, but it could be masked by loud music or other noises nearby. Also, not all cars have brake pads designed to make this noise.

If screeching or squealing turns into a deep scraping or grinding sound, the metal plates on the backs of your brake pads could already be contacting your brake rotors or discs. Most manufacturers put little brake squealers on there. They're little metal clips and when the brake pad gets too close, that squealer comes in contact with the rotor.

Listening for noises is very important, but replacing the brake pads early enough will save the rotors. If you save the rotors, you save money. Stop by your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free brake check. Experienced technicians will check your brake pads, calipers, rotors, wheel cylinders, and so much more! That's Firestone Complete Auto Care. Soft brakes make safe driving hard.

Find out how to tell if your brakes are "soft" and what could be behind this change in braking performance. Blog Categories Blog Home. Slow Down Driving fast goes with braking fast like peanut butter goes with jelly. Lose Some Weight Shed extra pounds, if possible. Know When to Replace Brake Pads No matter how cautiously you drive and care for your brake pads, you'll need to have them replaced at one point or another. Up Next.

Do I need new rotors? You might. Watch and listen for these four signs its time to replace your brake rotors and visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care.