When you stomp on the brake pedal, you’re banking on your brake pads to stop a two-ton machine in a heartbeat. Neglect them, and you’ll pay in safety—and big repair bills.
Brake pads wear out over time, typically every 30,000–70,000 miles depending on driving style and pad material . A worn pad means metal-to-metal contact, which screams for your attention with a ear-splitting squeal (and a skyrocketing repair cost when rotors get damaged) .
Organic, semi-metallic, or ceramic?
- Organic pads are quiet and gentle on rotors but wear fastest .
- Semi-metallic strike a balance of cost versus durability, but can be noisy .
- Ceramic pads are the Goldilocks choice—quiet, long-lasting, and rotor-friendly, though pricier up front .
Signs you need new pads now:
- Squealing or grinding under braking
- Longer stopping distances—test at low speed in a safe area
- Vibrations in the pedal or steering wheel
Changing pads in pairs (both front or both rear) keeps braking balanced . And always check fluid levels—the brake system needs fresh, moisture-free fluid every 2 years or 24,000 miles .
DIY vs. Pro: Swapping pads is doable with basic tools and a jack, but if you’re not 100% sure, have a certified tech do it—your life literally depends on it.
