How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

Diligent drivers will eventually need to know, how long do car brakes last? The average brake lifespan is between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, but it’ll vary depending on how you drive, where you drive, and what kind of brake pads your vehicle uses. With that in mind, we’ve put together a quick and easy overview of average brake life and the factors affecting it. Feel free to contact the Rusnak Auto Group service center near Pasadena if you have any questions, or check out more auto parts tips and tricks!

How Many Miles Do Brakes Last?

The brake life range between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, is considerably large since it’s impossible to give a definitive number. Some sets of brake pads may even last over 80,000 miles. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for the recommended service schedule. Certain service intervals will include brake pad inspection, and the maintenance schedule might also recommend when to replace the brakes. 

If you take your vehicle to an OEM-certified service center, the certified technicians will know your vehicle well, and be able to more accurately estimate when the brakes next need replacing by taking torque calculations, performance specs, and more into account. They’ll also be able to replace your brake pads with genuine OEM parts that are specially designed for your model to fit better and last longer.

What Factors Affect Brake Pad Life?

Just as your gas mileage will change depending on how and where you drive, the answer to the question, “How long do car brakes last?” will change depending on several factors:

• Driving Habits: If you brake hard instead of pressing down softly, or if you ride on the brakes instead of coasting to a stop, your brake pads won’t last as long.
• Environment: Driving in the city means encountering more traffic, lights, and stop signs, so you’ll brake more. Driving on the highway usually means longer brake life.
• Brake Pad Material: Carbon-ceramic pads last longer than standard metallic pads, but they tend to be more expensive. If you don’t already know what type of brake pads you have, your owner’s manual might give you more information.

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

If your car is shaking when you brake, you’ll want to bring your vehicle in for brake service immediately. The most common cause of this is a problem with the vehicle’s brake system itself, but here are some specific reasons why this might be happening:

• One of your tires is experiencing “run out,” or is no longer perfectly round. 
• One of your wheels is unbalanced.
• Your car’s front-end alignment is off.
• A loose control arm or damaged knuckle is affecting your car’s steering.
• Your car’s axle shaft is damaged.
• Your vehicle has loose lug nuts.

If your vehicle’s brakes are acting up, be sure to visit us for maintenance! Our team will be able to tell you exactly why your car is shaking when you brake.

Have Your Brakes Inspected and Serviced at Rusnak Auto Group

Whether you’re frequently wearing down your brakes on trips around Thousand Oaks or going the distance on highways outside of Westlake Village, schedule service at Rusnak Auto Group when they need to be changed. We offer service specials, expert assistance, and more!