How long do brake pads last?
Thursday 27th March 2025
How long do brake pads last?
Brake pad lifespan isn’t fixed and varies depending on your driving habits and brake pad material, but they typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles – although they can last longer. Since it’s hard to predict when brake pads need replacing,
Find out more about why brake pads wear out, the types of brake pads and how you can check your brake pads at home.
Why do brake pads wear out?
When you apply the brakes, clamp-like devices called callipers squeeze the metallic discs attached to your wheels. The callipers are faced with a softer material designed to create friction, which reduces the wheel’s rotation and ultimately brings your vehicle to a these surfaces are your brake pads.
Factors which could influence the condition of your brake pads
- how often you drive and where: If you live in an urban area, you’re more likely to take shorter journeys with more stop-and-start driving, which means you use your brakes more often. Longer journeys, like on the motorway, won’t wear your brake pads as quickly.
- the weight of your car: Do you regularly drive with multiple passengers or tow your caravan? When your vehicle carries more weight, your brakes work harder and come under more pressure. A lighter vehicle requires less braking effort and puts less strain on your brake pads.
- your driving style: Harsher braking generates excessive heat due to sudden friction, which can lead to premature pad wear. Gentler braking over longer distances minimises this heat buildup and can extend brake pad life.
- the material of your brake pads: Different materials affect durability, resistance and the longevity of the brake pads.
Types and materials of brake pads
Organic
These brake pads are made with a mixture of fibres, rubber and carbon compounds and are bound together with resin.
Pros: They produce less dust, tend to be cheaper, and are usually quieter than other brake pads. They also don’t put as much stress on the brake rotors.
Cons: Usually wear out quicker meaning frequent replacements compared to other brake pads. They also might not perform as well in extreme weather or under more stress.
Suitable for: Everyday driving and commuting.
Low-metallic
These brake pads contain 10-30% metal, usually copper or steel, for improved durability.
Pros: They aren’t too harsh on brake discs due to a softer metal composition and will last longer than organic brake pads. They can also dissipate heat faster so they’re more effective at braking at higher speeds.
Cons: Slightly noisier than organic, are mid-priced and are not suitable for heavier vehicles.
Suitable for: Driving in lower temperatures or at higher speeds.
Semi-metallic
These brake pads include 30-70% metal – copper, iron and steel are typically used along with organic materials, which makes them better for higher performance.
Pros: They can withstand greater heat while helping the brakes cool down quicker, and they don’t require as much pressure as organic brakes when braking.
Cons: Metallic brake pads are a lot louder and add more strain to the brake rotors.
Suitable for: Everyday commuting, track racing, and mountainous or off-road driving.
Ceramic
Ceramic brake pads are manufactured by heating a mixture of ceramic fibres with other substances such as Kevlar, vermiculite and silica. Copper fibres may also be included to increase friction and heat conductivity.
Pros: They create little-to-no extra noise when braking, they have less wear and tear debris and produce little wear on the rotors.
Cons: They’re typically one of the most expensive brake pads due to higher manufacturing costs. They take longer to warm up so they’re not appropriate in extreme cold.
Suitable for: Mindful, conservative driving.
Signs of worn brake pads
- Screeching sounds.
- Scraping or grinding noises.
- Vibrating when braking.
- Pulling to one side when slowing down.
Worn brake pads could also cause other issues such as uneven tyre wear and poor wheel alignment. Your brake pads could also be damaged by an obstacle – like a small pebble or other debris – which can disrupt the operation of your brakes.
If you experience any of these signs, Formula One Autocentres can check your brakes for free and identify the source of the problem.
How to check your brake pads at home
Your brakes are one of the most essential safety features of your car. It’s useful to be aware of the condition of your brake pads to prevent accidents. We recommend that you check your brakes every 6 months or 15,000 miles, depending on the factors mentioned above. If you check your brakes regularly, you may spot if your brakes are wearing out quicker than expected, as well as other brake-related issues.
Most modern vehicles have sensors which detect the condition of your brake pads and alert you with a warning light on your dashboard. If you don’t have sensors, your car may have wear indicators on the brake pads and a brake squealer, which is a metal tab that will squeal when it comes into contact with the rotor indicating that the brake pads need to be replaced.
On most vehicles, you can check the brake pads through the gaps in your wheels. It’s best to do this in a bright area or use a torch to get a good look at them. If the brake pads look thin, there’s roughly less than 20% left, or the metal wear indicator almost touches the rotor, it’s time to replace them.
However, you can get in touch with an expert technician at your local Formula One Autocentres garage who can check the condition of your vehicle’s brakes for free.
How to replace brake pads
You can change your brake pads yourself, but you must refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations. Plus, there are specific procedures to follow, and you could be liable if your brakes are deemed dangerous or faulty and found to be the cause of a road accident. A technician at Formula One Autocentres can replace your brake pads in roughly 30-90 minutes, depending on your vehicle and its condition.
Once your brakes have been replaced, it’s important to bed in your new brake pads properly to prevent brake judder.
Can Formula One Autocentres help with brake pad replacements?
Want to avoid the stress of checking your brake pads at home or fitting new ones? Get your brake pads replaced locally at your nearest Formula One Autocentres garage and redeem 5% off any brake repair work.
