6 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Brake Pads (2024)

As a car owner, paying attention to the sounds and signals your vehicle is giving you is essential.

The brakes are one of the most critical parts of your car's safety system; if you neglect them, they can lead to costly repairs and even accidents.

Key Takeaway:

  • It is recommended to replace brake pads every 25,000 to 65,000 miles and rotors every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and styles. Pay attention to any signs of trouble with your brakes, such as squeaking, grinding, vibration, longer stopping times, brake pad indicator light coming on, or thin brake pads.Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and expensive repairs.

When Should You Change Brake Pads And Rotors?

On average, brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while rotors typically should be changed anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles.

However, the exact number can differ depending on driving conditions and styles.

The good news is, you'll likely experience minor symptoms when your brake pads are getting towards their end of life, making diagnosis and repairs easy.

What are the signs that you need to change your Brake Pads and Rotors?

1. Squeaking or Squealing Coming From Brakes

If your brake pads are near the end of their useful life, the first symptom you'll begin to notice is a squeaking or squealing noise coming from the brakes. Squealing brake pads are typically caused by excessively worn-down pads.

Once you've worn down your pads enough, you'll start to experience a grinding noise, at which time you'll also begin to damage your rotors, making the repair cost even more expensive.

2. Grinding Sound When Braking

As we stated above, if you're experiencing a grinding noise while you're applying pressure to the brake pedal, your brake pads need to be replaced ASAP. Some brake pads have built-in metal wear indicators, which are designed to make a loud noise and alert you that it's time to replace the pads.

If you leave the brake pads to continue grinding, you're opening yourself up to a lot more damage and higher repair costs.

3. Vibration When Braking

If you feel your car shaking when you press the brake pedal, it means that there's something wrong with the brakes. It's probably because the rotors that help stop the car are not smooth anymore, causing the brakes to work unevenly.

You should take your car to a professional to fix it.

4. Taking Longer To Stop

Another major sign that your brakes need to be checked out is loss of performance when applying the brakes. If you're experiencing less than ideal-stoppage times while applying your brakes, it may mean your brake pads are worn down completely or that your brake fluid is low (oftentimes due to a leak).

For a true understanding of what's going on with your brakes, you'll want to get to a brake mechanic as soon as possible to ensure you keep all braking abilities.

5. Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On

Most modern vehicles come with brake warning lights that appear on your dash. One is your Antilock Braking System (ABS) light, and the other is your brake system warning light.

Your brake light won't always come on when there is an issue — it's also the light that appears on your dash when your parking brake is engaged.

But if you're seeing a brake warning light and your parking brake isn't engaged, it's time to have a brake expert look at your system to diagnose your issues.

6. Your Brake Pads Appear To Be Thin

One way to easily check on your brake pads is to inspect them visually for wear. To do this, look between the spokes of your wheels and locate your brake pad.

If it appears to be less than a ¼ inch or 6.4 mm thick, and there's brake dust buildup, you're probably due for a set of new brake pads.

Experiencing Brake Issues?

If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, let our expert brake techs provide a diagnosis.

We provide top-rated, affordable brake repair services at your work or home.

Receive a free brake repair estimate, or call (855) 800-5629 to discuss what you're experiencing!

6 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Brake Pads (2024)

FAQs

6 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Brake Pads? ›

Pay attention to any signs of trouble with your brakes, such as squeaking, grinding, vibration, longer stopping times, brake pad indicator light coming on, or thin brake pads. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and expensive repairs.

What may indicate that your brake pads need to be replaced? ›

Several telltale signs will tell you when to replace brake pads or other braking system components. If you hear a squealing sound or your car pulls to one side when braking, you need your brakes checked. A low brake fluid warning light on your dashboard can also indicate an issue.

How do I see if my brake pads are low? ›

You might need a flashlight to get a good look at the brake pad. If the pads look thin, less than 1/4", it might be time to get them replaced. On some brake pads, you might see a wear indicator slot down the center of the pad. If the slot is gone or just barely visible, it's time for new brake pads.

Is it OK to just replace brake pads? ›

You don't always have to replace rotors when replacing brake pads. The frequency of rotor replacement depends on factors like rotor quality and driving conditions. However, if your mechanic finds warped or worn rotors beyond the minimum discard thickness, they recommend replacing them together with brake pads.

How many years do brake pads last? ›

Brake pads can last anywhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Their longevity depends on your driving style and typical driving conditions. Using data provided by Federal Highway Administration statistics on how many miles people drive annually, typical brake pads will last between 3 and 7 years.

How much do new brake pads cost? ›

That said, for brake pad replacement only, you can expect to pay between $35 and $150 for parts for all four wheels. Labor typically runs between $80 and $120 per axle, making for a grand total of between $115 and $270 per axle.

What are signs of bad rotors? ›

Some common symptoms of bad rotors include vibration or pulsation in the steering wheel, high-pitched squealing noise when braking, shaking steering wheel, brake pedal pulsing, vehicle taking a long time to stop, loud bangs while braking, large edges on the outer part of the brake rotor, and scratch marks on the rotor.

What are signs of bad brakes? ›

8 Signs You Could Have Brake Problems
  • Brake Light On. ...
  • Squealing or Squeaking Noises. ...
  • Grinding Noises. ...
  • Wobbling, Vibrating, or Pulsing When Braking. ...
  • Leaking Fluid. ...
  • Spongy or Soft Brakes. ...
  • Car Pulling to One Side When Braking. ...
  • Burning Smells.

What is the bad brake pad indicator? ›

As a technician, you know that brake pads often have steel clips included in their construction to serve as a wear indicator. If the act of pressing down the brake pedal results in a squeaking or squealing noise, your customer's brake pads are likely worn past their prime and need to be replaced immediately.

How to tell if brake discs need replacing? ›

Experiencing vibration or a wobbling sensation through the steering wheel or brake pedal upon application is a sure sign of warped brake discs. This results from uneven heat distribution and thermal stress, causing the disc surface to become irregular.

How often should I change my brake pads? ›

Brake Pads: When to Replace Them

As a general rule, you should get your brake pads replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to keep wear to a minimum. When it comes to your rotors, you have a bit longer. Your rotors should be replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles to keep your brakes in peak health.

What is the indicator to change brake pads? ›

Spotting the Tell-Tale Signs It's Time to Replace Your Brake Pads
  1. Sign #1: Squeaking/Squealing From Your Brakes. ...
  2. Sign #2: Grinding Sound When Braking. ...
  3. Sign #3: Car Shakes When You Press the Brake Pedal. ...
  4. Sign #4: It Takes Longer to Stop. ...
  5. Sign #5: Thinning Brake Pads. ...
  6. Sign #6: When Your Brake Pad Indicator Light is On.
Apr 12, 2023

How long do brake pads last on a car? ›

Brake pads generally last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, but some can last as long as 100,000 miles. There are many factors that account for this wide range. First, brake pads come in a variety of types and compositions and are attached to even more varying brake systems and rotors.

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