Generally, brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 — 70,000 miles depending on the vehicle, driving habits, and environmental factors like road conditions. Some brake pads will last longer, others will need to be replaced more frequently. It's a good idea to have your brake pads inspected every 12,000 miles to ensure they are still in good condition and won't need to be replaced soon. Your mechanic should be able to give you a good idea of how often you need to replace your brake pads but generally below factors affect how often brake pads should be replaced.
Driving Habits
Driving habits have a large impact on how often you should have your brake pads replaced. Those who drive in city traffic, for instance, tend to use their brakes more frequently than those who drive on highways. As a result, city drivers may need to replace their brakes more frequently as the braking friction wears down the pads. Additionally, those who drive more aggressively will tend to wear down their brakes faster than those who drive more conservatively. Factors such as how hard the brakes are applied and how often the brakes are used will all contribute to the frequency of when brake pads need to be replaced.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as road conditions can have a significant impact on how often brake pads should be replaced. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, speed bumps, and sharp turns, can put extra strain on the brake pads and cause them to wear down faster. In addition, wet and icy road conditions can also increase brake pad wear due to increased friction. It is recommended to have brake pads replaced at least every 30,000 miles or once every two years, whichever comes first. However, in areas with harsh winter climates or roads with regular bumps, dips, and curves, brake pads may need to be changed more frequently.
If you need brake repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to River City Tire & Automotive today!