How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

Many Winter Haven drivers have often asked us, “How many miles do brakes last on average?” Most brakes can last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, however, this rate can depend on your driving habits, Bartow-area driving conditions, and your vehicle’s brake pads. With all that in mind, Buick Lakeland has put together a guide exploring how long car brakes last. Learn more below and contact our service team with any additional questions.

How Many Miles Do Brakes Last?

The brake life range between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, is considerably large since it’s impossible to give a definitive number. Some brake pads may even last over 80,000 miles. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for the recommended service schedule. Certain service intervals will include brake pad inspection, and the maintenance schedule might also recommend when to replace the brakes. 

Taking your vehicle to an OEM-certified service center means the technicians will know your model well, and can more accurately estimate when the brakes next need replacing by taking torque calculations, performance specs, and more. They’ll also be able to replace your brake pads with genuine OEM parts, specially designed for your model to fit better and last longer.

What Factors Affect Brake Pad Life?

How many miles do brakes last? Just as your gas mileage can change depending on how and where you drive, how long brake pads last will depend on many factors:

• Driving Habits: If you brake hard instead of pressing down softly, or ride on the brakes instead of coasting to a stop, your brake pads won’t last as long.
• Environment: Driving in the city means encountering more traffic, lights, and stop signs, so you’ll brake more. Driving on the highway usually means longer brake life.
• Brake Pad Material: Carbon-ceramic pads last longer than standard metallic pads, but can be more expensive. If you don’t already know what type of brake pads you have, your owner’s manual might give you more information.

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

If your car is shaking when you brake, you’ll want to bring your vehicle in for brake service immediately. The most common cause of this is a problem with the vehicle’s brake system itself, but here are some specific reasons why this might be happening:

• One of your tires is experiencing “run out,” or is no longer perfectly round
• One of your wheels is unbalanced
• Your car’s front-end alignment is off
• A loose control arm or damaged knuckle is affecting your car’s steering
• Your car’s axle shaft is damaged
• Your vehicle has loose lug nuts

If your vehicle’s brakes are acting up, visit us for maintenance! Our team will be able to tell you exactly why your car is shaking when you brake.

Have Your Brakes Inspected and Serviced at Buick Lakeland

Now that you know how long brake pads last; if you’re frequently wearing down your brakes around Brandon, it’s time to schedule service. Before making your next appointment with Buick Lakeland, check out our specials to see how much you can save. You can also order genuine OEM parts from our dealership to replace worn-out pieces on your vehicle. Keep your brakes at peak performance around Winter Haven with Buick Lakeland.