When Should You Replace Your Brake Pads?

There is no single figure, because it depends heavily on how and where you drive. A lot of town driving with frequent stopping wears pads faster than steady motorway miles. As a very rough guide, many cars need front pads somewhere between 25,000 and 40,000 miles, but the only reliable way to know is to have them checked.

Brakes give you plenty of warning if you know what to listen and feel for.

• A squealing or screeching noise when braking
• A harsh grinding sound, which means metal on metal and needs immediate attention
• A brake pedal that feels spongy or has to be pressed further
• Vibration or pulsing through the pedal
• The car pulling to one side when you brake
• A brake warning light on the dashboard

Worn pads do not just reduce braking performance, once they wear through they damage the brake discs, which turns a modest pad replacement into a much bigger bill. More importantly, brakes are a safety system, and compromised braking puts you and others at risk.

If you have noticed any of the signs above, or you simply want peace of mind, we offer a free brake check at our Donnington workshop. We will give you an honest answer on how much life your brakes have left. Call 01952 959 666.