How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

Mechanic in blue coveralls working on car suspension in a garage with tools and tires nearby.

As a responsible car owner, knowing when to replace the parts in your vehicle is key to its performance, functionality, safety, and longevity. If you are wondering how long car brakes last, you are not alone! The team at our service centre in Regina fields this question often. Take a moment to learn how many kilometres brakes usually last and contact us if it’s time to replace the brakes on your model. Our service centre is here to help your vehicle function at the highest level on roads in Regina and Saskatoon.

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How Many Kilometres Do Brakes Last?

The brake life range between 40,000 and 104,000 kilometres, is considerably large since it’s impossible to give a definitive number. Some sets of brake pads may even last over 120,000 kilometres. 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.

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

What Factors Affect Brake Pad Life?

Just as your gas kilometrage will change depending on how and where you drive, how long brake pads last will change depending on several factors:

Driving Habits: If you brake hard instead of pressing down softly, or if you 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 they tend to 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, be sure to 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 Titan Automotive

Do you have any questions about how long car brakes last? Is it time to make a service appointment at our dealership near Moose Jaw? Call 306-985-9801 or message us online today. Don’t forget to browse our latest service specials! For more car care-related reads, review our guides on how often you should rotate your tires and what causes a car to overheat.