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How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

One question that is often posed to the Salt Lake Valley Buick GMC parts center is about the durability and expected lifespan of various auto parts. And especially one question we hear a lot is, “How long do brake pads last?” So the parts and service department at Salt Lake Valley Buick GMC have decided to help drivers everywhere to learn how long brake pads last and some common signs that it’s time for new brake pads. If you think your brakes are due for service, make a service appointment online and let the expert team at Salt Lake Valley Buick GMC make maintaining your vehicle easier than ever. 
A service technician working on a vehicle's brakes.

What Causes Brake Pad to Wear Out?

Brake pads make direct contact with brake rotors to cause friction and help slow down your vehicle. The friction and heat it causes make your brake pads eventually wear down and need replacing. Several things can increase or decrease the deterioration rate of your brake pads and other components. Check out the list below to get an idea of some of the factors that impact how long brake pads last:
  • Type of brake pad
  • Driving/braking habits
  • Local driving environment and weather conditions
  • Manual vs. automatic transmission
  • Condition of other brake components

How Long Should Brake Pads Last?
Different brake pads have a varying rate of burn-off, so the brand and quality level of the brake pads themselves will impact how long brake pads last. Still, the average set of brake pads lasts about 20,000 to 75,000 miles.

How Long Do Ceramic Brake Pads Last?
The most resilient brake pad material commonly used on high-performance and luxury cars is ceramic brake pads. How long do ceramic brake pads last? They can last up to 75,000 miles. Make an appointment with our service center, or chat with our parts advisors if you want to upgrade to ceramic brake pads. 

Salt Lake Valley Buick GMC is Your Trusted Service Experts
Now that you know how long brake pads should last, and how long ceramic brake pads last, when was the last time you had your brakes inspected? Life gets ahead of us sometimes, and the little things that we forget now can become big problems later on. So a little preventive maintenance can go a long way for you, and the service center at Salt Lake Valley Buick GMC can help. Schedule service today to make sure that our team is here to help make sure that your vehicle is staying safe on the road. Have any questions, then contact us and our team will help.