Anything you use often will eventually wear out. It’s true of the lightbulb in your bedside lamp, the sponge in your kitchen, and the brake pads in your vehicle. But few normal wear items are as important to your safety, and to the safety of every pedestrian and driver you encounter on the road, as your brakes. So, it’s just natural for a responsible driver to wonder, “How long do brake pads last?”
First, let’s hit the brakes and take a moment to look at brake pads and what they do. Brake pads are a key component of the disc brake system found on most vehicles on the road today. Disc brakes consist of:
Caliper pistons
Brake pads
A metallic disc or rotor
Here’s how those components work together to bring you to a stop:
When your foot presses the brake pedal, it generates hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder, which contains brake fluid.
The pressurized fluid passes through the brake lines and hoses to the caliper pistons.
The caliper pistons press the brake pads against the disc or rotor.
This generates friction, which causes your vehicle to slow or stop.
Every time you press that pedal, your brake pads are put into use. This causes wear and worn brake pad can cause costly damage to the disc or rotor. Knowing the answer to the question how long do brake pads last is important to safe driving and smart vehicle maintenance.
The standard life of brake pads is approximately 20,000 to 65,000 miles, with an average of 40,000 miles. That’s a wide range, isn’t it? When something matters as much as your brakes, you want to stay on top of their care. That’s why it’s recommended that brakes be inspected every 12 months or 12,000 miles (check your owner’s manual for your specific vehicle’s service schedule). During that brake inspection, the pads will get a thorough once over, and you’ll learn whether a brake pad change is in order.
MANY FACTORS IMPACT BRAKE PAD LONGEVITY
While you’re wondering, “how long do brake pads last?” the answer may be affected by, “how do you drive?” For example:
Do you spend more time cruising along the highway or in traffic? Traveling long distances at a consistent speed is easier on your brake pads than the constant stop-and-go of city streets.
Do you often haul heavy loads? That extra weight can put strain on your braking system.
Do you travel through hills or mountains? Downhill driving is hard on brake pads.
Material makeup can also make a difference regarding how long brake pads last. Are your brakes constructed of materials referred to as metallic or ceramic? While metallic pads can provide greater stopping power, they can also wear differently than ceramic pads.
WHEN IT COMES TO BRAKES, USE YOUR SENSES
You may be able to see, hear, feel, or even smell the warning signs of brake trouble:
Do you see the nose of your car pulling to one side as you brake?
Do you hear any unusual noises when you apply the brake? That includes squeaks, squeals and clicks.
Do you feel the brake pedal vibrate under your foot?
Do you smell an unusual odor, which could be caused by excessive friction between the brake pad and rotor or disc?
IF YOU SENSE A BRAKE PROBLEM, BRING YOUR VEHICLE TO JIFFY LUBE
Please do so at your earliest convenience, even if it isn’t time for regularly scheduled maintenance. Remember, your brakes are one of your vehicle’s most important safety features and you want to keep them in good working order.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BAKE INSPECTION?
First, a trained Jiffy Lube technician will visually inspect your vehicle’s brake system. Your brake pads will be measured, and you’ll receive a written evaluation. If you have any questions, the technician will be happy to go over the evaluation with you. Rest assured, any service recommendation will be based on your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
OK, IT'S TOME FOR A BRAKE PAD CHANGE
Now what? Count on the professionals at Jiffy Lube to do a thorough job:
Brake pads will be replaced with pads that meet or exceed the manufacturer recommendations for your vehicle
All associated hardware will be replaced
The hydraulic components will be inspected and checked for proper operation
Rotors will be machined or replaced
Whenever possible, the technician will take your vehicle for a pre- and post-test drive to ensure proper braking
We said it before and we’ll say it again: If you have any questions, the technician will be happy to answer them.
COUNT ON JIFFY LUBE TO GIVE YOUR VEHICLE THE PROFESSIONAL CARE IT DESERVES
Whether you drive a car, truck, SUV or truck, your vehicle represents a major investment, and you want to protect it. Jiffy Lube technicians are trained in preventive maintenance and want to help keep you safe on the road. That includes providing the right products and parts. At Jiffy Lube we use quality products wherever possible and consistently install parts which meet or exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) recommendations.