Perhaps the most commonly question we get from motorists is a simple one: how long should brake pads last? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer for this. There is no fixed lifespan for brake pads. You can find sources on the internet that say they should last 60,000km to 80,000km, maybe longer. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case in the Philippines. A survey we conducted recently showed that most Filipino motorists replace their brake pads between 25,000 to 55,000km. It is a very broad range, but this is understandable. Brake pad longevity depends heavily on a lot of factors, such as the kind of vehicle you drive, the road conditions you drive in, and your driving habits.
As a general rule, the heavier the vehicle, the greater the pad wear. However, most brake system manufacturers tailor brake pads outfitted to heavier cars by adjusting the pad compound to make it harder, or by making the friction material layer thicker. However, the brake pad compound cannot be made too hard, or it will likely cause noise, or wear out the brake disc much faster. In fact, it is common to see harder pad compounds, such as those with higher metal content, eat up brake discs fairly quickly. And the space between the caliper and the disc surface is small, so it is not possible to just make the friction layer thicker and thicker.
Road conditions play an even greater role in determining brake pad wear. If you pass through a lot of hilly roads, you will wear out your brake pads - and brake discs - much faster, because you have to apply the brakes constantly. Also, hotter conditions tend to increase brake pad wear compared to colder climates.
The greatest factor in determining how long your brake pads last are your driving habits. A great way to increase the lifespan of your brakes is to control your speed - not too fast that you have to brake often, and not too slow that you're a hazard to those around you. Driving consistent with the flow of traffic means not having to step on the brake pedal too often, which extends their useable life. This does not mean you should avoid braking when you need to! But a simple adjustment in how you drive can make a world of difference for your brakes.
Aside from driving habits, the way you use your vehicle also plays a significant role. You may have a relatively light car, but if you are constantly carrying heavy loads - whether due to having a lot of passengers or cargo - it will have the effect of adding weight to your car. And we already know increased weight means increased wear. A car used for daily driving might be driven in a more relaxed pace, but a toy car might be used a little more aggressively, and used to drive around twisty backroads, or in autocross or other light racing.
The last factor is how well your car is maintained. Having the brake system regularly checked and cleaned, and not over-using parts also makes a big difference. A well sorted, properly maintained vehicle will usually see its brake components last longer.
There really is no sure fire way to tell how long brake pads last. The same car with the same specifications driven up and down the same roads with different drivers can easily have different results. What is most important is that you have your brakes checked periodically, and watch out for your wear indicator - whether it is an audible indicator or electronic - and keep your car in excellent working condition through periodic maintenance and proper driving habits.
Do you need new brake pads? Visit our Dealer Finder to contact a Brembo Official Dealer near you, or shop online at the Brembo Official Store on Lazada. For dealership inquiries, contact us at info@autoperformanceph.com or send us a message in our official Facebook page.