How Much Does It Cost to Replace Brake Pads?
Charlotte Phillips, 9 months ago
5 min read
- Brakes
- Cost
FixMyCar discusses the average cost of replacing brake pads.
Brake pads work with discs to create friction, which stops your car. In the process, they become worn down, eventually requiring a replacement. This guide covers the different types of brake pads and explains how much you can expect to pay for new ones.
Contents
Average brake pad replacement cost
Average cost of brake pads and discs by manufacturer
What are brakes and why are they important?
Average brake pad replacement cost
The average cost to replace car brake pads and discs is £439.51 when booked with FixMyCar. However, the price will vary depending on your car and chosen garage.
Average cost of brake pads and discs by manufacturer
| Car Make | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Audi | £428.08 |
| BMW | £575.76 |
| Citroen | £368.74 |
| Ford | £338.38 |
| MINI | £345.40 |
| Mercedes | £471.76 |
| Nissan | £328.36 |
| Peugeot | £379.32 |
| Renault | £381.26 |
| Toyota | £326.41 |
| Vauxhall | £354.46 |
| Volkswagen | £346.71 |
| Volvo | £401.17 |
Types of brake pads
Different types of pads are available, and they all come with pros and cons.
Ceramic brake pads
Ceramic brake pads are made from ceramic fibres, filler materials, bonding agents, and sometimes small amounts of metal fibres.
Ceramic brake pads are known for their high-performance characteristics and are often used in vehicles that require strong braking power, such as sports cars.
Metal brake pads
Metal brake pads are made from metallic fibres - such as steel, copper, iron or other materials - and a binding resin.
The metallic fibres are often added to enhance the pad's thermal conductivity and increase its friction characteristics. These fibres help to reduce the heat generated during braking, which reduces the risk of brake fade and improves overall braking performance.
Organic brake pads
Organic brake pads (also referred to as non-asbestos organic or non-metallic brake pads) are made from organic materials such as rubber, glass, Kevlar and resins, bonded together with a high-temperature adhesive.
What are brakes and why are they important?
The braking system is fundamental to your car’s functioning and safety.
When you apply the brakes, the brake discs act as a clamp between two brake pads, which allows your vehicle to slow down. When either of these components wears, it becomes more difficult for your car to slow down, posing a significant risk for you and your passengers.
Failure of both the brake pads and discs is dangerous and could cause more extensive problems; that’s why they must be in good condition.
How long should your brake pads and discs last?
Your brake pads and discs need to be in top condition at all times to ensure safety.
Generally, you can expect your brake pads and discs to last up to 80,000 miles if you drive sensibly and get them checked during services. Your brake pads will also be checked during your MOT, which is good to know for added peace of mind. Brake pads and discs can be highly susceptible to wear and tear, so adjusting your driving style is essential to avoid premature deterioration.
You can read more about how long brake pads & discs last here.
What can affect the condition of your brake pads?
Some of the things that could add excessive wear to your brake pads include:
Driving style - Sudden braking and high-speed driving put pressure on the plates, causing them to wear down quickly.
Overloading - Overloading the car means the brakes have to work harder to keep the vehicle stable on the road
Route and driving conditions - A route with lots of braking and stops will cause the brake pads to wear down quickly. Uneven roads with many potholes will also strain the brake pads.
Type of car - Brake pads tend to wear out faster in automatic cars than manual ones due to a lack of engine braking.
Signs that you need to replace your brake pads
Some of the warning signs that you may need to replace your brake pads include:
Squealing or squeaking noise from the brakes
Grinding sound when braking
Car pulling to one side when braking
Bringing your vehicle to a stop takes longer than it used to
Brake pedal vibrates
Brake pads feel thin
Do you need to replace all four brake pads at the same time?
It is not always necessary to replace all four brake pads simultaneously. Brake pads are typically replaced in pairs, meaning that you would replace the pads on either the front or rear axle together. This is because the braking system is designed to distribute braking force evenly between the front and rear wheels.
In most vehicles, the front brakes do most of the work, so they tend to wear out faster than the rear brakes. It's common to replace the front brake pads before the rears. However, following the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific vehicle is essential.
Can you replace brake pads yourself?
It is possible to replace brake pads yourself. That said, you should only attempt this if you have the necessary knowledge, tools and experience to do the job safely and correctly.
Working on your vehicle's brakes requires some mechanical expertise. If you lack confidence or have limited experience with automotive repairs, having a professional mechanic replace the brake pads is the safer option.
Have you noticed any of these symptoms? It could be a sign that you need to get your brake pads checked out by an expert. Luckily, we’ve got a network of garages and mechanics here to help.
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