How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

If you want to keep your vehicle in great shape for years to come, it’s important to know how long car brakes last and when it’s time to replace them. Brakes can last anywhere from 25,000 miles to 65,000 miles depending on a variety of factors. Driving habits, brake type, and vehicle type all play a role in the longevity of your brakes. To help you understand more about your brakes, we’ve put together information for you to reference at your convenience.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

The longevity of brake pads is typically between 25,000 and 65,000 miles. This wide range is due to the different factors that affect the brake pads, which we’ll discuss in detail in the next section. To know how long should brake pads last on your specific vehicle, check your owner’s manual. 

You can also bring your car to our service center, where our technicians will be able to give you a more accurate figure. They’ll take a number of different specs—such as torque and engine performance—into consideration in order to accurately estimate the longevity of your vehicle’s brakes. From there, they can give you suggestions on how to maintain or increase brake lifespan.

What Factors Affect Brake Pad Life?

There are a number of factors that can impact the lifespan of your brake pads. Brake pad mileage can vary depending on the variables below: 

• Driving Habits: Slamming on brakes often will reduce the lifespan of your brakes. Make sure to press on the brakes early and softly so you can slowly come to a full stop. 
• Environment: Does commuting to Lexington involve an easy ride on the highway, or are you constantly in stop-and-go traffic? Stoplights, stop signs, and traffic force you to brake more often, increasing the wear-and-tear on your brakes. If you can find a more straightforward route to your destination, you can increase brake life. 
• Brake Pad Material: Wondering how long ceramic brake pads last? Ceramic pads have a longer lifespan than standard brake pads, but they’re generally more expensive. To find out which type of brake pad you have on your car at the moment, take a look at your owner’s manual. 

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

If you feel your car shaking or vibrating when you brake in Winchester, schedule a service appointment with us immediately. Usually, the issue is with the car’s brake system, but the following could also contribute to this experience: 

• Your vehicle has loose lug nuts
• Your car’s axle shaft is damaged
• One of your wheels is unbalanced
• Your car’s front-end alignment is off
• A loose control arm or damaged knuckle is affecting your car’s steering
• One of your tires is experiencing “run out,” or is no longer perfectly round

Get Your Brakes Inspected at Jack Burford Chevrolet,inc. Today!

If you’re getting ready to go on a long road trip to London, get your brakes checked at Jack Burford Chevrolet,inc. before you go. Check our website to take advantage of service specials and get the service you need. Don’t hesitate to contact us or visit us here in Richmond if you have any further questions!