What is the normal service life of a car's brakes?
An automobile's brakes, including discs and pads, are both among the most important safety features and the most rapidly wearing parts. Without proper maintenance and timely replacement, they compromise driving safety.
It's up to every motorist to check that they're working properly, keep an eye on their condition and watch out for any symptoms.
A variable durability
What is the normal service life of a car's brakes? This is a question many people ask themselves. There's no simple answer, let alone a universal one, because it all depends on driving habits, vehicle type, weather conditions and the quality of the parts.
In general, new brake pads and discs last between 50,000 and 110,000 km. In some (rare) cases, they can last up to 160,000 km. Most drivers choose to replace them after around 65,000 km, in order to avoid waiting until the wear is too advanced.
On an electric vehicle, it's different, because the regenerative braking system often allows you to slow down enough to avoid having to depress the brake pedal. The discs and pads are less stressed and therefore wear less quickly. On the other hand, the increased weight of the vehicle (due to the battery) places a heavier burden on them. As a result, the brakes have to be of a heavier gauge, which means a higher bill for replacement.
There are three main types of brake pad material. These can be organic (usually a mixture of rubber and fiberglass), semi-metallic (30-70% metal) or ceramic. The former are the most affordable, but don't last as long, while the latter have by far the longest life expectancy, but cost considerably more.
Our advice? Have your brakes inspected every time you visit your dealer or garage. A new brake pad is typically about 15 mm thick. A minimum of 3 mm is recommended for safe braking.
Symptoms to recognize
If you're not sure about the condition of your brakes, or if you suspect something is wrong, you can carry out your own tests and checks. However, a more thorough investigation at your dealer's or workshop's is always safer.
1. Brake fluid condition: Start by checking the condition and level of your brake fluid. It should be clear and uncontaminated, with a color close to that of new fluid. If this is not the case, you'll need to change the fluid. Then, if the level is at the minimum in the reservoir, there could be a leak - something you absolutely must have inspected.
2. Brake system warning light: If you see the brake system warning light on the dashboard, there could be a problem, such as a faulty brake pad wear indicator. Whatever the cause, you need to get to the bottom of it and rectify the problem.
3. Noise and vibration:Other signs that brakes are ripe for servicing include abnormal sounds, such as metallic grinding or a dull or shrill noise when braking, as well as pulsations or vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal. Wear, moisture or debris/particles in the components may be to blame. Check and treat.
4. Driving dynamics: You may also notice a change in the feel of the brake pedal. For example, it may feel softer than normal, and you may have to push it down further to get the desired result. If your stopping distances stretch, that's a bad sign too. Likewise, if the vehicle pulls to one side: this may be the fault of the steering or suspension, but if your four brakes aren't all adjusted uniformly and don't work in unison, it could be an explanation.
In closing, remember to take a look at your vehicle's owner's manual, which can contain a wealth of information about the braking system and how to carry out a complete brake check. Always keep an eye out while driving for the symptoms described above, and remember to include brake servicing on your next visit to the garage. The wisest solution is to call in qualified technicians who have all the right tools.
