How Often Should You Replace Brake Pads?

If it’s taking you longer than normal for your vehicle to come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs, it’s time to have your brakes checked.  This may cause you to wonder about how often should you replace brake pads? Because the wear and tear on brakes are unique for every driver due to their driving conditions and styles, road conditions, and quality of brake materials, there is not a specific timetable stated in your owner’s manual for changing brake pads and rotors.  But as a general rule of thumb, it is wise to have your brakes checked at every oil change so you can be aware of their ongoing situation.

So, if you’re wondering how often should you replace brake pads, here are several common warning signs:

• Brakes screeching and squealing – A small, metallic shim indicator embedded in the brake pad will screech or squeal when it has worn too thin.
• Too thin – If it appears should be no less than ¼ inch thick (about 3 millimeters) in depth.  
• Brakes grinding and growling – This sound comes from the metal-on-metal contact between the discs and calipers when the brake pads have worn too thin.
• Warning light – A warning light on the dashboard panel will illuminate indicating that it’s time to replace the brake pads.  

A word of advice: Normally, brake pads, and rotors need to be replaced about every 50,000 miles on most vehicles. For the best stopping performance, replace brake rotors and brake pads at the same time.

Wondering how often should you replace brake pads?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive for more information about brake repair, including brake pads and brake rotors and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.