How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

How long do car brakes last as you drive around Edgewater and Crofton? Your brakes, along with your tires, are the single most important safety features on your vehicle, and they need to be replaced after 25,000 to 65,000 miles of use. For the average driver, that means brake pad replacement should take place once every two to five years, erring on the side of caution.

Failing to keep up with maintenance is guaranteed to lead to a less enjoyable and much more dangerous drive. If you think you think you may be due for a change, don’t wait to schedule service.

How Many Miles Do Brakes Last, Really?

Yes, we know that there’s an enormous margin between 25,000 to 65,000 miles. The answer to the question, “How many miles do brakes last?” always depends on a wide range of important factors, though, including the type of brakes on your vehicle, the road conditions you face on a daily basis, and the weight of the vehicle itself! With proper care and smart driving habits, your brakes may even last up to 80,000 miles.

The easiest way to find out if you’re due for brake pad replacement is to ask one of the experts at our service center. More commonly, you’ll start to notice issues–such as vehicle shake or even screeching–when you press down on the brake pedal. What’s more, your Jaguar is a finely-tuned driving machine; if you feel as though you no longer possess the stopping power you’d expect, don’t wait to reach out. We’ll set you up with fresh parts directly from the OEM.

What Factors Affect Brake Pad Life?

Knowing when you’re due for brake pad replacement is one thing. Making sure that you’re not scheduling service too often is another. So, how can you get the most value from your brakes?

• Change your driving habits. One of the most important factors affecting brake life is also one of the most overlooked. Coasting to a stop and limiting your acceleration can add thousands of miles to the life of your brake pads.
• Try different brake pads. You should always choose brake pads that are recommended by your manufacturer. However, you have some leeway to experiment. Carbon-ceramic brake pads last significantly longer than metallic pads, which are more common. However, they’re also more expensive!

Why Do I Need to Know How Long Brakes Last?

There’s the obvious: keeping your brakes in good condition makes every drive through Annapolis safer. However, you should also keep in mind that your brakes are composed of several different parts, with the most important being the pads and the rotors. If your pads wear thin, continuing to drive can lead to rotor damage. This type of brake repair is much more expensive than pad replacement, so it’s important to keep up with your maintenance schedule.

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

As we noted above, a vehicle that shakes while braking is often a vehicle that’s in need of new brake pads. However, there are some other possibilities that you’ll want to explore before ordering your replacement parts:

• Uneven tire wear or imbalanced wheels can also cause an unpleasant shake. Have your technician check for these issues during your normal tire rotation. The same is true for misaligned tires.
• More rarely, you could be dealing with a loose control arm, a damaged knuckle, or a damaged axle shaft. Check the lug nuts on each wheel before jumping to conclusions.

Ultimately, it’s never a bad idea to get an expert opinion. Just make sure to check out our service and parts coupons before you drive in from Severna Park or Crofton.

We’re Your Annapolis Source for Brake Service

We know exactly what kind of brakes your Jaguar needs, and we’d be happy to pass along even more tips to help you get more for your money. Contact our service center today for current pricing and wait time information. We’ll have you back on the road in no time.