In the United States, we love to drive, but we always dread bringing our cars into the shop. On average, Americans spent around $2,000 in the last five years on car repairs.
Well, one of the most common routine repairs is brake pad replacements, which can cost as much as $400 each time you replace them. So, how long do brake pads last, and is there anything you can do to help them last longer? Glad you asked.
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How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
Depending on the type of brake pads you buy, the weight of your vehicle, and your style of driving, brake pads should last anywhere from 20,000 to 70,000 miles. However, this depends on a number of factors that will impact the lifespan of your pads.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Brake Pads
First, start by shopping for the right brake pads. Most often, you can get “silver”, “gold”, or “platinum” brake pad ratings, which should come with an estimate of how many miles they last.
If you drive a smaller vehicle, the top tier should be rated to last 60,000 or more. While they will be more expensive to purchase up front, they will save you time and money in the future.
Second, pay attention to how you drive. Are you a “brake driver”? If so, try your best to drive more carefully and slowly, and don’t ride the brakes when going downhill.
Not only will it help you save your brakes, but it will also help protect your engine and the entire rest of your vehicle. Focus on hitting the gas less and you will ultimately end up using the brakes less as well.
Third, make sure you keep up with proper maintenance on your car. Specifically, your rotors, tires, and brake fluid.
If your tires are bald, your brakes will have to work harder, as your tires are more likely to slip. If you don’t have enough clean brake fluid or you’re using old rotors, this will directly cause more wear on your tires.
How To Save Money On Brakes
The easiest way to save money on brakes is to change them yourself, especially when you shop for the right performance parts accessories. Learning how to do routine repairs on your vehicle yourself will save you a fortune as a car owner.
While this sounds counter-intuitive, you should also buy the best brakes for your car. Do some research while you shop and read reviews from customers with similar vehicles to yours. The longer they last, the more you’ll save in the long run.
Save Brakes, Save Money
Now that we’ve answered the question “how long do brake pads last?”, follow these tips and save big on car repairs. By doing the labor yourself and getting the most out of each set of pads, you will save money and the need for constant repairs. Get to work today and keep reading our blog for our latest automotive tips!