Just as gas mileage varies depending on where and how you drive, it depends on the life of the brake pads (or brake pads), the friction material that is pressed against the metal disc (rotor) or the drum to stop your car. How long will they last? It depends on many factors. If you drive merely 8,000 miles a year, but mostly in crowded urban areas such as Chicago, Boston, or Washington, DC, you will have to replace brake pads than someone who drives 28,000 miles a year. You use brakes in urban environments much more often than on a rural road.

Brakes Check Schedule

Unfortunately, no precise schedule would indicate when it is time to replace the brakes, you need to rely on the advice of technician. Most vehicles should turn their tires at least once every six months, and this is also an excellent time to check the brakes. The mechanic can check the thickness of the pads and the state of the calipers or drum equipment to determine wear.

Annoying noise in Brakes

Many cars have in built wear sensors that scrape the brake disc when the pads need replacing. The driver will hear an annoying squeal when they press the brakes (or when the brakes are released on some cars). Some vehicles have electronic wear indicators that warn the driver when a warning message appears on the dashboard that the pads reach minimum thickness, but this feature is usually used on expensive luxury cars, and it’s good to rely on regular brake maintenance checks than to assume that the vehicle has a back.

Sensors in Car

These sensors are not on every vehicle or not necessarily on every wheel, so drivers should listen for squeaks, screeching, grinding metal on metal (often a sign that the brake pads have completely disappeared) and other noise that indicates wear. Some minor noises can be removed by cleaning the brakes, but persistent, noticeable sounds usually mean worn parts.

Brake Pedal Pulses

If the brake pedal pulses during light or moderate braking, this may reflect wear or a deformed disc. (The pedal vibration during panic braking is normal if your car has an anti-lock system that is required for new vehicles in the US from the 2012 model year.) there may be one worn or otherwise compromised front shoe.

Some Other Brake Fail Sign

Other signs when driving are significant braking distances, or when you press the brake pedal, your foot drops lower, closer to the floor. Since the brake linings wear out gradually, you may not notice a drop in performance, so an experienced mechanic’s eye can help.

Brake Check Light

Most cars have a brake light that lights up for a few seconds each time you start the car. If this happens while driving, it probably means that there is not enough fluid in your brake system due to a leak or a problem with the brake master cylinder. Please note that this may or may not be the same signal light associated with the parking brake.

Front Disc Brakes

All new vehicles also have front disc brakes. Most also have rear discs, although some cheaper cars still come with rear drum brakes. When using disc brakes, it is common practice to replace only the brake pads and, if necessary, re-install the rotors on a lathe so that the surface is level and smooth.

Brake Repair Shops

However, in recent years, more and more automakers are switching to rotors, which are lighter and thinner to reduce weight and save money. The disks were used for two or three re-grinding, but do not be surprised if, when it was time for new shoes, you were told that you also need new rotors. Current materials may not have enough material to allow for shavings when grinding, and may not be as durable as, say, 10 or more years ago. Besides, repair shops are reluctant to pay attention to the rotors, because it increases the work time. Also, the quality of work may vary depending on who performs it. Instead, it's faster, easier and more profitable for repair shops to install new rotors along with new gaskets merely.