How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

How many miles do brakes last? The rule of thumb is that your brakes should last you between 25,000 and 65,000 miles depending on your driving style, what kind of Columbia roads you have to regularly drive on, and the quality of your brake system. You should always check your owner’s manual for specifics. 

You might have noticed that this answer leaves room for variation. That’s why it’s important to know the factors that affect brake life and the signs of brake failure. Read on to learn everything you need to know to develop a sense for when it’s time to get your brakes inspected. Then, explore our service specials to see if we’re running a sale on brake inspections and reach out to our service department in Lexington for help.

What Factors Affect Brake Pad Life?

How long do car brakes last? That depends on a number of different factors, including: 

• Driving Habits: If you’re in the habit of braking hard when you stop, you’re wearing your brakes out much faster than necessary. Try coasting to a stop at red lights and, in general, slowing down more gradually on Irmo roads to minimize the frequency with which you apply your brakes.
• Environment: If you live in a dense urban environment, you’ll drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic, which is harder on your brakes than the long uninterrupted cruises down highways and county roads in the country. 
• Brake Pad Material: If you’re willing to pay a little extra, carbon-ceramic pads last longer than standard metallic pads. If you’re uncertain of what type of brake pads your car was built with, consult your owner’s manual. 

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake? 

If you came to this page looking for an answer to the question, “How many miles do brakes last,” because your car has been shaking, you need to bring your vehicle in for service immediately. The most common reason this happens is because your over-worn brake pads are either grinding against your rotors or your rotors are warped. It could also mean that your axles are damaged, you bent your front-alignment, one of your wheels is unbalanced, your wheels have some loose nuts, or any number of other reasons. 

Still Unsure of How Long Your Car Brakes Will Last? 

If West Columbia drivers are still unsure of how many miles their brakes will last or if they’re due for an inspection, just call Honda of Columbia at(803) 799-1080. If you have other questions about car care, be sure to explore our service and parts tips for other helpful reads about how often to change your oil and more!