Expert Advice

How often should I change my brake pads?

Brake pads wear down over time. There are many factors that impact how quickly they break down. Because of this, it’s hard to offer a single service recommendation for all cars and drivers. But generally, drivers should change their brake pads every 20,000 miles to 60,000 miles.

Frequency of Use

If you routinely make multiple trips in your
car each day or travel long distances, then your
brake pads will wear down more quickly. If you carpool with friends or co-workers regularly or have days where you may not use your car at all, you may be able to stretch your brake pad use out to 60,000 miles.

Driving Habits

As the populations of Wilmington and surrounding areas increase, traffic is becoming more congested, particularly during peak drive-time hours. When you find yourself in stop-and- go traffic during morning or afternoon rush hour, your brake pads get more use. Or if you have a busy lifestyle and are constantly scooting about town, weaving in and out of traffic, your brake pads will wear down faster.

Environmental Conditions

Temperature, moisture and exposure to corrosive materials can all affect the rate at which brake pads wear out. Brake pads normally experience a high amount of friction and heat. But living in a warm environment where temperatures can top 100 degrees can cause brake can cause brake pads to cool down more slowly than in cooler climates.” Similarly, salt can act as a corrosive and wear away at car parts, including brake pads and other components of a vehicle’s braking system. As a coastal area, Wilmington and its surrounding areas have environmental factors that may cause your brake pads and brake components to wear out more quickly.

Brake Repair in Wilmington NC

If pads have been worn past recommended levels, it could cause damage to a vehicle’s brake calipers and their pistons. Replacing brake pads regularly can help you avoid a more costly repair down the line. O’Leary’s Auto Repair is a leading service provider for brake repairs in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas. Our skilled mechanics can provide quality brake repairs and preventive maintenance on your vehicle to keep it running at peak performance levels. We have four convenient locations in Wilmington, Leland and Hampstead. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about our brake repair for the greater Wilmington area.