Whether you’re nipping down to do the school pick-up in an SUV or touring down Beach Road on a Sunday morning in the latest European sports model, regular car maintenance keeps your wheels turning and your brakes working. But how often should you change brake pads on a car?
Brakes are one of the most critical features of your vehicle, for both comfort and safety. They allow you to bring your car to a gentle standstill as you give way in a suburban street, and are key to avoiding or minimising impact in an emergency; yet we rarely give them a second thought.
Brake systems use a combination of pressure and friction to slow down or stop your car on command. The nature of friction is such that different parts of these systems have certain lifespans, so regular servicing helps to keep your brakes in good condition, delaying or preventing altogether the onset of any issues that could lead to costly damage.
How often should you change brake pads on a car?
In general, brake pads should be replaced after approximately 80,000km. That said, some may need to be replaced after just 40,000km, whereas others can soldier on for up to 100,000km. How long car brakes last comes down to your driving habits, typical terrain and the material makeup of your brake system.
Fortunately, your car can also send you a clear signal if your brakes are in need of servicing or repair. Let’s look at 6 signs that your brakes are due for some expert attention.
6 signs it’s time to change your brake pads
1. My brake pedal feels ‘spongy’
A brake pedal that feels soft or ‘spongy’ to the touch of your foot could be a sign that your car is leaking brake fluid, or has air in the brake lines. Brake fluid plays an important role in converting the energy you apply to the brake pedal into the force required to decelerate your vehicle; so if fluid is leaking or air in the lines is preventing it from being easily transported from one part of the brake system to the next, your brake performance will be compromised.
2. My brake pedal feels hard to press
At the other end of the spectrum, a stiff pedal that feels hard or resistant to the touch of your foot may indicate an issue with vacuum pressure. What does that mean? Modern brake systems use a ‘brake booster’ system that draws on vacuum pressure to multiply the force you apply to the brake pedal. This system gives you a great degree of control over the force you apply in slowing down your vehicle, with very little physical exertion required from the driver.
3. Squeaky or squealing brakes
What’s that high-pitched squeaky or squealing noise coming from your brakes? This could be your brake pad wear indicators letting you know (loud and clear!) that your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. What you’re hearing is the sound of steel on steel as the indicators make contact with the brake rotor. Over time, this will cause rotor damage, which is far more expensive to fix than changing out your brake pads – so the sooner you come in, the better!
4. What is that grinding sound I hear when I brake?
Without rapid intervention, that squeaky or squealing brake sound will give way to an awful metallic grinding sound. That metal-on-metal grinding sound could be your brake calipers in contact with the rotors, or may be an indicator of other serious mechanical issues. Grinding is generally a very strong indicator that your brake pads are completely worn out, but could also be a symptom of a foreign object being lodged in the braking mechanism, poor lubrication or displaced wheel bearings.
5. It feels like the car is pulling to one side
If your car pulls to the right or left when braking, it may be a sign that there is mismatched friction from one side of the vehicle to the other. This could be caused by worn brake pads, misaligned brakes, a loose brake hose or bearings, impurities in brake fluid, a stuck wheel cylinder, or uneven rotors. Uneven or warped rotors may even cause your car to shake or shudder when you hit the brakes.
6. The brake warning light on the dashboard is on
Your car’s brake system is an important component of other safety systems such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control (TC) and emergency stability control (ESC). Some vehicles will have warning lights for each of these systems, or a single dashboard light for all. If your brake warning light comes on, it may indicate a malfunction in one of these critical safety systems, low brake fluid or brake pad issues. Whatever the issue may be, the warning light is an indicator that the electronics in your vehicle have detected a problem that requires specialist diagnostics.
What to do if your brakes need servicing or repair
Instead of attempting to change your brakes yourself, we strongly recommend calling in a professional. Our specialist technicians provide the highest quality workmanship and customer service for all your brake servicing needs.
As leading technicians who specialise in prestige European car servicing and repairs, Cox Auto’s commitment to providing a premium service like you’ve never experienced before extends to brake servicing. Using the latest diagnostic equipment, our experienced technicians will conduct a comprehensive inspection of your car’s braking system components and can advise you on any necessary repairs or service items, ensuring the best possible car performance and safety.
We only use the most trusted brands, such as Bendix, for parts and all our work is backed by a 12-month or 20,000km guarantee. And as an official A.T.E Brake Centre, we offer high-quality, dustless ceramic brakes along with a 50,000km wear warranty. We also test and repair shock absorbers, in addition to carrying out brake fluid flushing of the entire braking hydraulic system, including the ABS controller pump.
How much do new car brakes cost?
It all depends on the make and model of your brake system, as well as which exact part needs replacing. As a rough estimate, car brake pad and disc rotor replacement generally starts around $300 but can go upwards of $600. Arguably the most critical component to your welfare on the road, this is money well spent for your safety. Get an obligation and hassle-free quote here.
Ensure your brakes are in working order today
So, how often should you change brake pads on a car? In short, as soon as you notice any warning signs that your brakes might be in need of repair or replacement.
If you’ve noticed any of the above red flags or just want to be on the safe side, book an appointment or call the workshop today on 03 9699 6338. We’ll assess the condition of your brakes and provide you honest, reliable advice on the best course of action.
