When it comes to automobiles, safety is of paramount importance. Modern vehicles come equipped with the latest safety features but the initiatives to make automobiles safer started with the invention of vehicles. One major feature that has been a part of the safety system for as long as automobiles have existed is the vehicle brakes. The braking system consists of several components which work collectively to stop the vehicle when the driver presses the pedals.
In the braking system, brake pads are of utmost value but they can wear off with time. As driving without worn-out brakes can put safety at risk, it is essential to change brake pads frequently. But how long do brake pads last and what can be done to increase their running life? We will discuss the answer to this along with some useful tips in this regard.
How Long Brake Pads Last on Average
Proper brake pads are essential for effective braking in cars. Conversely, driving a car that is indicating any signs of bad brake pads can be dangerous as it puts the driver and passenger safety at risk. Generally, brake pads last for about 40,000 to 100,000 kilometres. However, these figures may vary depending on driving habits and vehicle usage.
When drivers hit the brake pedal, brake pads come in contact with brake rotors. The rotors then transfer friction and pressure to the wheels – prompting the vehicle to stop. As braking pads come in contact with the rotors, this causes the components to lose grip with time.
However, excessive usage may cause these components to wear quickly and you may be required to replace the brake pads and rotors prematurely.
Factors Determining the Lifespan of Brake Pads
Now that you know how long brake pads last, it is equally important to know the factors affecting the longevity of brake pads. Let’s go through these factors and see how they affect the running life of brake pads.
DRIVING HABITS
Excessive braking leads to more usage of brake pads and this can cause early wear. This can particularly be a problem for drivers who drive close to the vehicle in front of them. In this case, drivers are forced to apply brakes every time the car in front stops.
Overspeeding can also be a root cause of early wear of brake pads. When stopping the vehicle at high speed, drivers apply additional force on the braking pedal. This puts extra pressure on the brake pads and leads to premature wear. Worn-out brake pads can also be one of the reasons why your car is shaking when driving.
TYPE OF BRAKE PADS USED
The types of braking pads used can also determine their lifespan. Generally, there are three main types of brake pads used in vehicles – organic, semi-metallic and ceramic. If you are wondering how long should brake pads last, the period can vary depending on the type.
- Organic – Organic brake pads are usually made from fibre, glass, or rubber. These tend to wear quickly as compared to other types.
- Semi-metallic – These are made for high-performance vehicles and they are more durable than organic brake pads. Additionally, semi-metallic brake pads provide a better braking response.
- Ceramic – Ceramic brake pads are of the highest quality and are mostly found in sportscars, hypercars and luxury cars. These have the longest running life as compared to the other brake pad types.
BAD BRAKE ROTORS AND CALLIPERS
Brake pads work together with other components to halt a vehicle when brake pedals are pressed. If you are wondering how long brake pads last, the condition of other components can also change the equation.
For instance, brake pads come in contact with rotors. If the rotors or callipers are not in proper working condition, they can cause damage to the brake pads – causing early wear and tear.
TYPE OF VEHICLE TRANSMISSION
The types of vehicle transmission can also affect the lifespan of brake pads. There are several car transmission types available but manual and automatic are the most common ones.
Cars with manual transmission give owners the leverage to slow the vehicle down by using the engine braking process. Drivers can do so by downshifting gears. On the other hand, doing this in vehicles with automatic transmissions can damage the transmission.
DRIVING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS
For people living in regions with hills and mountains, the routes might have climbs and falls. This usually results in more use of car brakes that leads to early deterioration of brake pads.
Tips to Make Brake Pads Last Longer
There are some ways to avoid premature wear of brake pads. Let’s go through some effective tips to take better care of brake pads and ensure longevity.
DRIVE SLOW
Overspeeding is not a safe option and should be avoided at all times. Moreover, avoiding it can also extend the life of several car components such as brake pads. When driving at slow speeds, less pressure is exerted on the brake pedals. This doesn’t pace up the wearing process.
REDUCE CAR’S WEIGHT
People tend to fit tons of stuff in a car when getting ready for a road trip and this increases the vehicle’s weight. While the car can handle the weight, it can have effects on the brake pads as more force is required to stop the vehicle.
Therefore, it is advised to remove any additional weights from your vehicle. It is fine for trips to have extra luggage, however, for regular commutes, keep your vehicle as light as possible.
MAKE USE OF ENGINE BRAKING
Instead of applying brakes, drivers can make use of engine braking. Take your foot from the pedal and downshift gears to slow down the vehicle. Less brake usage means the brake pads won’t wear anytime soon.
This is everything you need to know about brake pads and their lifespan. If you wanted to know how long brake pads last, the answer should be crystal clear now. Brakes are an integral part of vehicle safety and the components should be adequately looked after. Negligence in this regard can result in some common car brake problems that can be heavy on the pocket.
As safety is of paramount importance, it is better to keep your vehicle in good working condition. Additionally, it is a safe option to know what to do in case of car brake failure whether by bad brake pads or any other reason.
Moreover, modern vehicles come equipped with a ton of safety features and advanced braking options to make driving safer. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety of modern vehicles with advanced safety features listed.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for information about car safety components and more.
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