How long do brake pads last?
Brakes are fundamental when it comes to vehicle safety. Within the braking system, brake pads are one of the key elements, so it’s essential to inspect these regularly to ensure they are working as they should.
How long your brake pads last will vary significantly depending on several factors including:
- How often you drive
- The weight of your car
- Your driving style
- The material of your brake pads
As a result, brake pads can last anywhere between 20,000 to 50,000 miles, potentially even more.
It’s strongly advised that you have your car serviced every year as brake checks are generally included within a service schedule. However, if you want to know how to check and replace your brake pads in between services, keep reading.
How to check brake pads
If you’re wondering whether it could be time to replace your brake pads and you’re unsure how to check them yourself, here’s what to do:
Check for warning signs
If your brake pads are too thin, usually a warning message or warning light will appear on your dashboard. You’ll need to get your brakes looked at by one of our experts if this is the case to ensure your brakes are safe and replace if necessary.
You may also notice that your brake fluid levels are lower than normal. As brake pads wear, brake fluid is drawn into the brake caliper cylinder. This is normal and a good indicator that your brake pads are wearing thin. Again, if you notice this, get your brakes looked at by a professional as soon as possible.
Check the thickness of your brake pads
Next step is to measure the thickness of your brake pads. On some vehicles, you’ll be able to see the brake pads through the gaps in the wheels. To assess whether your brake pads are in good condition, you’ll need to remove the wheels on your vehicle and measure the brake pads against the manufacturer tolerance.
Brake pads that are visibly worn down to 1.5mm will fail an MOT, however, most manufacturers suggest you should probably replace pads as they wear down below 3mm. If you’re unsure, you can always bring in your vehicle to Halfords for a free brake check.
How much for new brake pads?
The cost of having new brake pads fitted can vary between £70 - £150. At Halfords, we offer the Brakes4Life scheme, where you can get all your future brake pads and brake shoes replacements fitted free once you’ve bought your first set with us.
All you need to do is book a free brake check and, if you need a new set of brake pads or brake shoes and buy your first set with us. From then on, all future fittings of brake pads and brake shoes will be fitted for free whenever you need it.
What are the different types of brake pads?
There are three different types of brake pads that vary in cost and durability:
Organic brake pads
Organic brake pads are typically the most affordable but are often less durable than other types.
Metallic brake pads
Metallic brake pads tend to last longer than organic brake pads but could wear down brake discs faster than other types.
Ceramic brake pads
Ceramic brake pads are the most expensive and are usually fitted to high-end sports cars to provide superior braking performance.
How to change brake pads
If you choose to replace your brake pads yourself, it’s important to refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations as they will have a specific procedure that should be followed. In all cases, you must replace your brake pads in pairs to ensure your braking is even.
Remove the master cylinder cap
Place a rag around the master cylinder reservoir to soak up any fluid that is expelled when the caliper pistons are pushed back.
Remove the wheel
The generic process is to start by removing the wheel. Loosen the wheel retainers before raising your car with a jack and axle stands, using the recommended jack points specified in your vehicle handbook and start unscrewing the wheel nuts.
Remove the brake caliper
The next step is to remove the brake caliper. The caliper pistons must be pushed back to enable the pads to be removed and refitted. This procedure can vary greatly between vehicles, so you should refer to the manufacturer instructions.
Remove the brake pads
You will now have access to the brake pads and can remove any clips holding them in place. It’s also important to check the surrounding elements, so refer to the manufacturer instructions for their advice.
Check surrounding components
You may also need to replace other parts in addition to your brake pads such as wear sensing wires, brake pad lubricant, and brake discs. If you're unsure of any of these elements, it’s best to have them inspected by one of our experts.
Fit new brake pads
Before fitting your new brake pads, it’s important to clean the caliper carrier first and grease the edges. You can then fit the new brake pads to the caliper carrier, ensuring that the pads can move freely, and the friction material is positioned towards the brake disc.
Untie and refit the brake caliper, and note that some modern vehicles are required to tighten bolts to specific torque settings, so it’s important to check this information beforehand.
Test the brake pads
Once fitted, make sure to test out the brake pads by pressing the brake pedal a few times to bring the brake pads up to the disc. Also remember to top up your brake fluid if needed. Finish by re-fitting your wheel, using a wrench to tighten it. Then remove the axle stands and lower the jack until your vehicle is back on the ground. When driving the car for the first time having replaced the brake pads, it's important to “bed in” the brakes carefully to ensure they wear in accordance with the manufacturer expectations.
You can purchase new brake pads and all other parts of your braking system on our website – simply type in your vehicle registration number and the relevant brake pads will appear.