FixMyCar discusses how long brakes usually last and how to tell when they need replacing.
Book a brake repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Friday September 20 2024
4 min read
When you own a car, brake repairs are inevitable. The question is how soon you'll have to replace different parts. If you've ever wondered about the average lifespan of brake components, this guide is for you.
Brake pads typically last between 30,000-70,000 miles, and their lifespan is affected by the material they’re made from.
Ceramic brake pads are the best option, so although they’re more expensive than the other types of pads available, they make up for this by lasting longer.
Metallic brake pads usually become worn quickly, whereas organic pads sit in the middle. Organic pads, sometimes called 'non-asbestos brake pads', are made of composite material, usually consisting of Kevlar, rubber, glass and resins that can withstand high heat.
Find out how much it costs to replace brake pads.
A great way to check whether your car's brake pads need replacing is to inspect them for signs of wear. Look between the gaps in the wheels to locate them. It may be time for new ones if they're less than 6mm thick and covered in brake dust.
Other signs to look out for include squeaking or screeching and a lack of responsiveness when applying the brakes.
Your driving style will affect how long your brake discs last, but generally, you can expect to get 80,000 to 120,000 miles out of them.
Keeping track of brake repairs in your vehicle’s service book will give you a better idea of how soon they'll need changing.
Here's what to look out for:
Wobbling steering wheel
Brake pedal less responsive
Visibly warped disc
If you notice any of these signs, you should take your car to a garage before the problem gets worse, making your car unsafe to drive.
Here are five brake problems you shouldn't ignore.
Unlike other brake components, callipers are not subjected to the same level of wear and tear, so if you take care of your car they could last between 75,000-100,000 miles. The exception to this rule is if there is a mechanical problem with them.
This guide provides more information about brake callipers.
Brakes won’t last forever, but you can still do certain things to increase their lifespan. Here are our four top tips.
Avoid speeding. The faster you go, the more likely you’ll have to slam your brakes on. Instead, use the natural power of the engine to decrease your speed by changing down a gear or two before applying the brakes.
Unload your car. If your vehicle is heavy, it will put extra strain on the brake pads, so before you set off on your next journey, try to unload any non-essential items that could be weighing you down.
Look ahead. It sounds simple, but paying attention to the road ahead can make a difference. Rather than just observing the car in front, keep an eye out for any hazards that are coming up or any busy traffic. This way, you can slow down gradually without having to brake hard.
Get your brakes serviced. As with many parts of your car, brakes will last longer if kept in good condition. Getting them serviced means that minor problems can be fixed before they escalate into more significant, more expensive problems.
The easiest ways to make your brakes last longer are to use high-quality OE parts, focus on driving smoothly, don’t carry unnecessary weight, and avoid common causes of damage. For example, if the brakes come into contact with cold water when they’re hot, the discs could warp, so avoid washing your car straight after driving it.
Matt Wrankmore
Head of FixMyCar's Garage Network
The average price of a brake repair on FixMyCar is £366.01. Replacing pads and discs costs £381.40.
| Car make | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Audi | £519.71 |
| BMW | £644.30 |
| Citroen | £376.03 |
| Ford | £376.87 |
| Mercedes | £612.10 |
| MINI | £394.11 |
| Nissan | £392.69 |
| Peugeot | £392.33 |
| Renault | £488.57 |
| Toyota | £399.94 |
| Vauxhall | £38.28 |
| Volkswagen | £377.29 |
| Volvo | £427.95 |
You can compare prices and book jobs using our handy brake price comparison tool.
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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.
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