How Long Do Brake Pads and Brake Discs Last?

Allowing you to slow down and stop in emergencies, brakes are an essential component in any vehicle. Your car’s brake pads and brake discs will gradually wear out over time, so it is important that you know when to book a replacement. 

Read on and learn what you can do to make your brake pads and discs last longer, and how to tell when it’s time to book a replacement.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

A set of brake pads can last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. 

Surprisingly, longer journeys on motorways can actually be better for your brake pads than other, shorter journeys. This is due to the fact that drivers stopping at traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts in towns and inner cities will use their brakes more regularly.

How Long Do Brake Discs Last?

Generally speaking, brake discs can last for upwards of 50,000 miles when properly maintained.

By taking good care of your brake discs and driving sensibly, your brake discs could last up to 120,000 miles. Without regular maintenance, your car’s brake discs could deteriorate at the 25,000 mile mark.

Whilst there is no fixed interval for replacing your brakes, the lifespan of your car’s brake components will vary depending on the vehicle you drive and your driving style. You can refer to your vehicle handbook if you would like to learn the intervals your car’s manufacturer recommends for these replacements.

When Should I Replace My Brake Discs and Pads?

Most vehicles will be fitted with wear sensors designed to detect when the front or rear brake pads are low. If your vehicle is not fitted with these sensors, it is essential that you have your brake pads checked by a professional garage regularly.

We recommend that you have the condition of your brake discs checked every 10,000 miles.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Brake Pads and Brake Discs?

Brake pads and brake discs are priced differently  - front brake pads actually cost more than rear brake pads. If your vehicle has a larger engine, this can also have an effect on the price. 

You can pay anywhere between £100 to £400 for a full brake pad and disc replacement, including labour costs. As prices vary, it is always best to contact a garage for a full estimate. 

To find the best deal, you can search on BookMyGarage and book your brake pad or brake discs replacement easily.

Compare instant prices from thousands of UK garages to pick the best garage near you.

How Long Does It Take to Change Brake Pads and Discs?

A full brake pad and disc replacement can take between 1 and 3 hours to complete, regardless of whether you need the front or rear brakes changed. 

Changing just the brake pads can take between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

Should I Have My Brake Discs and Pads Replaced Together?

It can actually be cheaper to have your brake discs and pads replaced at the same time. Having these parts replaced together can help to ensure that all parts of the braking system are working in sync with one another. This in turn can make stopping feel smoother, quieter and more comfortable. 

What’s more, if you have your brake discs replaced but not your brake pads, you may find that your partly worn brake pads cause damage to the discs.

That being said, it is possible to have your brake pads replaced without having new brake discs fitted. Brake pads wear out faster, so your brake discs could be healthy even if your brake pads have worn out. You may wish to book just a brake pad replacement.

Will I Know When My Brake Pads and Discs Need to Be Replaced?

In some modern vehicles, an illuminated brake pad warning light can tell you when it is urgent that you book a brake pad replacement.

However, not all vehicles will have this warning light, so you may instead have to look for subtle changes in your vehicle’s behaviour. 

You may notice a loud squealing noise when you brake, which could signal that you need to book a brake pad or brake disc replacement. If you do not book a replacement when needed, then the sound could worsen as your brake pads wear out and cause further damage to the brake discs. 

You may also notice vibration when braking, which is a sign that your brake discs are worn out. If this is the case for you, then you will need to book a brake disc replacement so that a mechanic can change your brake discs for you.

If your car is pulling to one side under braking, then you should avoid driving your car as much as possible until the issue is fixed. Pulling to the side can indicate that one brake is stronger than the other, or that a part has warped. 

You can inspect the condition of your front brake discs through your tyres.

If you notice any signs of visible damage or are aware of any of these aforementioned warning signs, you should have your car looked at by a professional mechanic as soon as you can. 

How Can I Extend The Lifespan Of My Brake Discs and Pads?

Your brake pads may wear prematurely and your fuel consumption may increase if your vehicle regularly carries excess weight. The lighter your car is, the easier it will be to slow down. When your car is carrying more weight, it will take longer to slow down, and more pressure and strain will be put on the brake pads. 

If you are planning on emptying your boot, just remember to keep an emergency kit in your car at all times to help you prepare for any eventuality. 

To extend the lifespan of your brake discs and pads, you should avoid driving at high speeds. Any situation in which you slam on the brakes will put the brake pads under pressure. Applying the brakes gradually and accelerating gently can help to reduce damage. 

Be sure to book a brake check if you are at all concerned about the health of your car's brakes. 

We hope that you have enjoyed learning about how long brake pads and brake discs last.

If you would like to learn more about car brakes, you may be interested in reading about brake fluid or brake calipers.