How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

At the Elk Grove Volkswagen service center, we often handle the question “How long do brake pads last?” That’s a good question. So how long should brake pads last? In the following article, we’ll provide an accurate answer to this question. You’ll learn the difference between the various types of brake pads and why keeping them changed is so critical for the life of your vehicle. If you have additional questions about how long brake pads last, don’t forget to schedule service with our expert staff.

What Impacts How Long Brake Pads Last?

“How long should brake pads last and what causes them to wear down?” Brake pads are the most vital part of the braking system on your vehicle. When you engage your brake pedal, the pads grip the rotors, causing your vehicle to slow down. The friction and heat is what dictates how long brake pads last. “How long do brake pads last during normal use?” The answer to this depends on several factors aside from the length of time they’ve been in use.

Obviously, the harder you press your brakes, the faster they wear down. If you drive in a lot of Sacramento traffic, you can expect the stop-and-go action to impact the longevity of your brake pads. In addition, factors out of your control can also play a significant role in how long brake pads last. The temperature and road conditions can negatively impact the life of your brake pads. The following list highlights other factors that lead to premature wear.

• Driving/braking habits
• Type of brake pad
• Manual vs. automatic transmission
• Local driving environment
• Condition of other brake components

How Long Should Brake Pads Last?

The specific answer to the question “How long do brake pads last?” falls between a certain window. Of course, the model and quality of brake pads can play a role, but on the low end, you can expect about 20,000 miles of life, and 75,000 on the high end.

How Long Do Ceramic Brake Pads Last?

The highest quality brake pads are known as ceramic pads and are typically found on luxury or sports cars. How long do these brake pads last? It’s not unheard of to get over 75,000 miles of life from a set of ceramic pads. If you’re a driver in the Roseville or Folsom area, our experts are available to install ceramic pads on your car.

Choose Elk Grove Volkswagen for All of Your Service Needs!

Are you the DIY type? Our parts department has brake pads available for nearly every model you can think of. Otherwise, enjoy our customer waiting area while one of our technicians quickly installs your brake pads. You’ll have access to free coffee and WiFi while our technicians complete a top-tier installation. Don’t forget our service specials to find additional savings on your standard maintenance tasks!