How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

Are your Chevy brakes making strange squeaking or grinding sounds? Have you ever wondered or asked, “How long do car brakes last?” The answer is that it depends on how you drive around Tallahassee, where you drive your Chevy, and what kind of brake pads your vehicle has. With that in mind, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet brings you this handy overview of average brake life and the factors that impact brake life. If after reading this you still have questions about brakes, or any other routine auto service, contact us. We are always happy to help!

What Causes Brake Pad Wear?

Brake pads, as you may already know, are the pieces of your braking system that make direct contact with brake rotors to cause friction and slow down your vehicle on the streets of Quincy. This friction, and the heat caused by it, is exactly the reaction that causes brake pads to eventually wear down to the point of needing replacement.

There are a few factors that can increase or decrease the rate of use of brake pad components. Some of which, like how hard you regularly apply the brake pedal, are totally within your control! Other, less controllable factors such as outside temperatures and road conditions can also negatively impact the brake pads. Check out the list below for a breakdown of the factors that can impact how long brake pads last:

• Driving Habits: If you often brake hard instead of pressing down gently, or if you ride the brakes instead of coasting to a stop, your brake pads won’t last as long.
• Environment: Driving a lot in the city means encountering more traffic lights, so you’ll brake more. Driving on the highway for the majority of your commutes usually leads to longer brake life.
• Brake Material: Carbon-ceramic brakes last longer than standard metal brakes, but they also tend to be more expensive.

How Many Miles Do Brakes Last?

It’s impossible to predict exactly how many miles brakes last. The average brake life is somewhere between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, but there is typically a considerable 40,000-mile range. Some people will have brake pads last as long as 80,000 miles while some may only last 20,000 miles. Following your vehicle’s standard service is wise, but you can help extend the life of your brake system by bleeding the brake lines.

Have Your Brakes Serviced at Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet

Now you know what affects the life of your car or truck’s brake pads! It doesn’t matter if you wear down your brakes on trips to Quincy or Havana, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet is just a short distance away from both locations. When’s the last time you had your brakes inspected? If it’s been too long, call our service department. You can even schedule a service online. We are always here to help you!