How often should you change your brake pads?

August 01, 2021

Brake pads are a key part of your braking system that wear out with regular driving and that need to be replaced even sooner if you drive aggressively or have a lot of hills in your commute. 

Some brake pads, like semi-metallic ones, also last longer than others. Organic brake pads on the other hand wear out faster although they are eco-friendly and quieter than other alternatives. And even though you won't have a signal for this on your dashboard, your car will show symptoms when your brake pads are nearing the end of their life:

How to tell you need new brake pads

Squealing or squeaking sounds from your brakes are a good sign that something is up. Usually, it means worn down brake pads. If you ignore it and it progresses to grinding metal-on-metal sound, that's your naked brake pad rubbing against your rotor, which can damage it and make your repair more expensive. Some brake pads do have a built-in metal wear alert that makes a loud noise when it's time to replace them, so watch for that too. Other signs include vibration when slowing down and reduced brake performance.

Usually, you should change your brake pads every 50,000 miles or 80,000km but that still depends on your driving style and your vehicle. 

Should I change my brake rotors when I am changing my brake pads?

Your car is up on the hoist, the new brake pads are ready to go, but what about the rotors? They wear out over time too and need to be a certain mm thickness in order to be considered safe. If they are still in good shape, and especially if you have modified rotors, you don't need to change them. They will last you much longer than the brake pads. You can also get your brake rotors resurfaced to help with performance and longevity.