How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

How many miles do brakes last? It’s an important question for North Charleston and Mount Pleasant car owners to ask – after all, your brakes are one of the most essential components of your vehicle. Almost everyone will ask “how long do car brakes last?” at some point, but it’s difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all answer. It can vary widely between vehicles, but you’ll likely get anywhere from 25,000 – 65,000 miles before you need to fully replace the brakes. Get more service advice with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet, below!

How Many Miles Do Brakes Last for the Average Car Owner?

25,000 – 65,000 miles is a considerable gap, but that’s because as we noted above, it’s nearly impossible to give a blanket answer to the question of “how many miles do brakes last?” In fact, some James Island car owners might even be able to get 80,000 miles from their brakes! For the most accurate information, there’s no better place to look than your owner’s manual. There, you’ll find a manufacturer-recommended brake service schedule that typically includes a recommended time for a brake replacement.

Another reliable option is to bring your car to an authorized service center. The manufacturer-trained service techs know your vehicle well and will be able to give you their expert advice for when to replace your brakes. They’ll inspect the current condition of your brakes, while also taking into consideration torque calculations, performance specs, and more.

What Causes Brakes to Wear Out?

How long do car brakes last? It’s partially dependent on each of the following factors:

• Personal Driving Habits: If you’ve ever been accused of having a ‘lead foot’ on the gas and brakes, you may want to take heed. Slamming down on the brake pedal can do a number on your brakes, causing them to wear out prematurely. Instead, it’s best to coast to a stop and press the brake pedal softly.
• Traffic Conditions: City driving entails traffic, intersections, traffic lights, stop signs, and more, all of which lead to more braking. The more you use the brakes, the more wear they’re experiencing. On the other hand, driving on open highways requires you to use the brakes less, leading to longer brake life.
• Brake Pad Material: Carbon-ceramic brake pads withstand use better than metallic pads, but are typically more expensive because of it. Check your owner’s manual to see what type of brake pads your car has.

Car Shaking When Braking

Has your car been shaking when you hit the brakes? This is certainly a cause for concern and should be addressed without delay. Most commonly it’s the brake system itself that causes such an issue, but there could be other underlying issues:

• One of the tires has succumbed to “run out,” meaning it’s lost its perfectly round shape
• One of the wheels needs to be balanced
• The front-end alignment is askew
• The axle shaft has been damaged
• The steering is off due to a loose control arm or damaged knuckle
• There are loose lug nuts somewhere on the vehicle

Find Out When to Replace Your Brakes in Charleston

If your car is shaking when you brake or you need a brake inspection, schedule an appointment with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet. Our expert service techs are here to help! We offer a rotating selection of service specials to make essential repairs more affordable – including brake pads, so be sure to check out what’s available before visiting us in Charleston.