A set of brake pads can be replaced for $115 to $270 depending on where you live and what vehicle you drive. However, there are many factors that can impact the final cost. The brake pads should last for at least 25,000 miles. However, how you drive your car and the quality of the parts will determine how often they must be replaced.
What is a brake pad?
Brake pads are an essential part of your car’s brake system. You push down on your brake pedal to cause the brake pads to press against the rotors. The rotors will slow down if the brake pads are pressed harder on the pedal. This causes your wheels to slow down. You can’t slow down your car without brake pads.
How long can brake pads last?
Brake pads are designed to last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, according to most manufacturers. Depending on how frequently you drive, the quality of your brake pads will determine how often they need to be replaced.
It’s not necessary to know when your brake pads need to be replaced. The indicator for brake pads is a small metal tab that vibrates against the brake rotor. If your brakes start to squeal, it is time to change the pads.
Material of brake pads. Different materials are used by manufacturers. Semi-metallic brake pads last the longest while ceramic pads are the most durable. Organic brake pads wear the fastest.
Stop-and-go traffic. People who drive in dense traffic, such as highway drivers or those who are constantly braking and stop at traffic lights, will see their brake pads last less.
Driving habits such as braking hard or riding on your brakes can cause friction between brake pads and rotors that wears down pads faster. The brake pads will last longer if you keep your cars at a safe distance and slow down when you brake.
When do you need to replace your brake pads?
Brake pads are typically measured in millimeters. The thickness of new front brake pads should not exceed 12 mm, while rear pads should measure between 8 and 10 mm.
However, your brake pads will eventually wear out. To determine when to replace brake pads, mechanics have used the following:
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7mm or greater. Brake pads in good condition and likely to last for a long time.
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4 mm. Although the brake pads are still performing their duties, they will need to be replaced in a short time.
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3mm or less. It is important to replace your brake pads as soon as possible.
You might get more out of your brake pads if they are 3 mm in diameter, but you should not wait too long to damage the rotors.
Brake pads cost
A set of brake pads should cost drivers between $115 and $270. This would cover the cost to replace the pads on either the front or back wheels. The cost to replace brake pads on your car is around $230 to $540.
The cost of your vehicle may be higher than the average estimate depending on its needs. Although replacing brake pads isn’t an expensive task, it can add up to the cost of owning your car.
Factors affecting cost
The cost of replacing brake pads can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Kelley Blue Book estimates that the cost to replace brake pads on a 2019 Nissan Maxima sedan will be between $247 and $2291, while $291-$345 for the same maintenance on a Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV.
The cost of labor can also vary depending on where you live. A 2016 Honda Accord could need brake pads replaced in Houston for $230 to $2272. The same work will cost $283-$333 in Portland Oregon.
Material for brake pads: Ceramic brake pads will cost more than organic ones.
Tips to Save Money on Brake Pads
You should research the best brake pads for your vehicle. To find out which type of brake pads to buy, you can search the internet.
Get estimates on the work. Get quotations from several mechanics to get the best price for a brake pad replacement.
When to replace your brake pads. You can either measure the brake pads of your vehicle yourself (search YouTube to find a how-to video), or ask your mechanic to take a look at your vehicle when you bring it in for an oil change. You could endanger the rotors if you delay in replacing the pads.
It is important to plan for maintenance. You will likely need to replace your brake pads at least once if you plan to drive your car for a long period of time. You can’t skip this important maintenance, so plan ahead and you won’t be surprised by the cost.