How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

If you’re like most drivers in Gastonia, at some point you’ve probably wondered, “How long do car brakes last?” On average, car brakes last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, but the answer may vary depending on factors that are unique to you: your driving habits, your usual driving conditions, and the type of brake pads your vehicle has. Keeping this in mind, the service team at Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet has created a convenient guide to car brakes’ lifespan, the factors affecting it, and more. If you have questions along the way, don’t hesitate to contact us!

How Many Miles Do Brakes Last?

25,000 to 65,000 miles is an okay rule of thumb to follow when asking how long do car brakes last, but it’s a pretty significant jump from 25,000 to 65,000. Some service professionals will tell you that it’s difficult to give a concrete number, as some sets of brakes might be capable of lasting over 80,000 miles! The best course of action is to consult your owner’s manual for the OEM-recommended service schedule. Certain service intervals will involve brake pad inspection, and some manuals will also recommend when to fully replace the brakes.

If you’d like to seek the advice of a trained professional, it’s best to schedule an appointment with an OEM-certified service center. When you do, factory-trained technicians who know all of your vehicle intricacies can give you a more accurate estimate for when your brakes will need to be replaced, using torque calculations, performance specs, and other information. Another perk of choosing a certified service center is that you’ll know they’re using high-quality OEM parts that were made to fit your vehicle’s specifications.

What Are the Factors That Can Affect Brake Pads’ Lifespan?

Much like how your gas mileage can vary depending on how you drive in Concord, the lifespan of your brake pads can depend on numerous factors:

• Driving Style: If you tend to hit the brakes hard instead of pressing down gently, or if you ride the brakes rather than coasting to stop, you may see premature wear on your brake pads.

• Driving Conditions: If your daily commute takes you through a city with lots of traffic and intersections, you’ll be using your brakes more often causing them to wear out faster. But if you’re on an open highway most of the time, your brakes can last longer because they’re not used as much.

• The Build of Your Brake Pads: Many Rock Hill, SC vehicles utilize standard metallic brake pads, as they’re a cheaper option. Carbon-ceramic pads are also available and tend to last longer, though they’re also more expensive. If you’re unsure what materials your brake pads are made of, you might find the information in your owner’s manual.

Brake Service You Can Trust is at Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet

Having your brakes inspected and bleeding brakes at the recommended intervals will help ensure that you get the full lifespan out of them. For brake service you can count on, schedule an appointment at Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet! Our service technicians can get you back on the road in a timely manner. Before your visit, consult our service specials where you’ll often find convenient deals on new brakes, brake service, and more. Have questions about other common auto service topics? We’re here to help – get more information on how often to replace a car battery and how to make tires last longer in our service information center.