How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
There are many factors that influence the performance of your vehicle. One of the most important factors would be your brakes. At Harr Toyota, we’re often asked about brake maintenance and upkeep. One of the more common questions we receive is, how long do brake pads last? The short answer is brake pads last between three and seven years. To help narrow that estimate, you have to take a few variables into account.
This overview is the easiest way for you to get a good grasp on your brake maintenance around Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, MA.
How Long Do Brake Pads and Rotors Last?
There’s no set lifespan you can anticipate for your brake pads and rotors. The general estimate though is three to seven years for your pads and roughly 70,000 miles for your rotors. So, how can you tell how long the pads and rotors will last for your vehicle?
First, it’s important to understand that excessive stress on your brakes is going to wear them down more quickly. So, if you drive a large truck or SUV that tows thousands of pounds regularly, your brakes are often tasked with stopping tremendous weight. This is one reason why large vehicles often see their pads begin to age closer to three or five years as opposed to seven.
It’s a similar situation for high performance vehicles. If you have a performance-oriented car which you enjoy driving spiritedly, the sudden braking and hard stops required will wear on the brakes.
Finally, the type of driving you do will matter too. If you have any normal vehicle, yet you drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic each day, constantly hitting the brakes to make quick stops, your pads may last closer to five years or so.
Signs Your Brake Pads are Wearing Down
You can identify when your brake pads are beginning to fade by keeping an eye out for a few simple performance deficiencies. For instance, the brake pedal of your vehicle should always be responsive. If you have to press the pedal all the way to the floor before your vehicle begins to decelerate, it could suggest your pads are worn.
The pads and rotors influence the stopping distance of your car too. So, if you hit the brakes and your vehicle takes a noticeably longer distance to come to a complete stop than it should, the culprit could be worn brakes.
Finally, if you go to brake and your vehicle pulls to the left or right, the brakes could be the reason. If one of your brake pads wears faster than the others, the vehicle tends to pull in one direction during hard braking.
Replace Your Brake Pads Quickly
If your brake pads have seen better days, you can come to Harr Toyota and we’ll happily replace them for you. Our service center has been supporting drivers around Auburn, Shrewsbury, and Worcester, Massachusetts, for many years. And if you have questions about any type of automotive maintenance, we’ll be happy to speak with you!