Brake pads are a car part that determines your vehicle’s ability to stop when it needs to. In other words, it determines the level of control and the safety of everyone in the car (as well as everyone around you). Now, due to the very nature and function of brake pads, they are getting worn out over the course of time. This is why you need to replace them regularly in order to stay safe. Still, how much does it cost, what goes into the price and what are your options when it comes to this maintenance cost? Let’s find out!
- How to tell your brake pads to need replacement?
There are several symptoms that may indicate that your brake pads need a replacement. Some of them are:
- Squeaking or squealing noise
- An indicator light is on
- Sound of a grinding metal
- Vibrating brake pedal
- Pads seeming too thin on visual inspection
If any of these is true, you probably have a reason to worry. However, it is likely that you will notice at least several symptoms. Also, keep in mind that the indicator may start showing relatively early on. This means that you’ll probably get a warning ahead of time, which will give you time to respond responsibly.
- The difference between brake and brake pad replacement?
Keep in mind that having a problem with brake pads costs less than having to replace an entire brake system. The brake system is far more complex and pads are just one of its parts. Some of the others are:
- Calipers
- Rotors
- Drums (on older vehicles)
Other than this, brakes require hydraulics to work, which is why they work alongside brake lines in order to create an end-to-end system. All in all, in terms of cost, replacing brake pads is far cheaper than having to replace your entire brakes.
- The cost
As far as the brake pads costs go, the average is between $150 and $300 per axle. It all depends on the pad materials on your vehicle. You see, eco-friendly car owners insist on organic materials, which results in more expensive car parts. The resilience of the pads is also quite important, seeing as how it will determine the resilience and longevity of pads. According to car repair experts, the cost of replacement also needs to be taken into consideration when budgeting this particular repair. This way, there are no unpleasant surprises further down the line. The total cost should come down to $250-$400, per axle on average.
- How long will they last?
When making a purchase, one of the best ways to figure out whether the cost is worth it is to do the research on what you’re getting for this particular purchase. Generally speaking, your driving style should affect you’re the life span of your pads. The majority of manufacturers agree that an average is around 40,000 miles. However, if you have a habit of hard-stopping and hammering on the brakes a lot, this can be cut a lot shorter.
- Other reasons why your brakes are squeaking
The last thing you need to understand is the fact that your brakes might be squeaking for some other reasons. Sure, pad replacement might be the most obvious solution but it’s definitely not the only one. Brake rotors may have gathered some moisture overnight and the rotor may have rusted. Scraping the rust of motors while using brakes may cause this sound. This is why it’s so important that you take the car to a professional mechanic and have them take a look at the vehicle.
In conclusion
The last thing worth mentioning is the fact that this is a replacement that you have to make whenever there’s a need for it. However, you don’t have to do it right away. Even some of the most conservative estimates suggest that you have at least 5,000 more miles of relative safety after you first hear the squeaking. Still, the sooner you make the replacement, the better. Sure, the cost is not insignificant but when compared to the alternative, it is more than worth it. Also, it might be worth your while to go for quality and tweak your driving habits just a bit.
