Cost of Replacing Brake Pads

What Are Brake Pads?

First thing’s first: What are brake pads? Brake pads are part of the braking system that applies pressure to a vehicle’s brake rotors and creates friction to stop your vehicle.

The rotors are flat metal discs that spin as your car accelerates in speed. It’s the job of the brake pads to grip the rotors, stopping their rotation and producing the necessary friction ultimately to bring the vehicle to a stop.

Are There Different Kinds of Brake Pads?

The most common type of brake pads is metallic. However, brake pads come in all different types based on what they’re used for and what material they’re made of.

Some different kinds of brake pads include:

• Organic brake pads are made of organic materials, like glass and rubber.
• Ceramic brake pads are lightweight and made of ceramic fibers.
• Metallic brake pads are found in most vehicles and made from metal materials.
• Performance brake pads are used for high-performance vehicles like race cars and aid in handling turns.

When Do Brake Pads Need to Be Replaced?

Based on various factors—like your car’s weight or how fast the wheels rotate—brake pads are subject to extreme stress and inevitably will need to be replaced.

Most mechanics recommend getting your vehicle’s brake pads replaced every 40,000 to 50,000 miles. This, of course, is subject to change depending on your everyday commute, driving conditions, brake usage, and so much more.

If you want a more accurate reading on the lifespan of your brake pads, you can always double-check your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Signs You Need to Change Your Brake Pads

If you’re not sure how many miles it’s been since the last replacement, there are other indicators your car is overdue for brake service. If anything on the following list applies to your vehicle, there’s a good chance it needs new brake pads.

1. Squeaking or Squealing Noise: When you apply pressure to the brakes, high-pitched squeaking occurs.
2. Grinding Feeling/Noise: When pushing down on the brakes, you feel metal materials scraping against one another, making a grinding noise.
3. Takes Longer to Stop: When you’re braking, your vehicle takes a longer time to come to a complete stop.
4. Brake Warning Lights Are On: Your Antilock Braking System (ABS) light or your brake system warning light are illuminated on your dashboard.

What Is the Cost of Replacing Brake Pads?

The cost of replacing the brake pads will depend on the kind of vehicle you have and which model year it is. You can trust that the team at our BMW of Stratham dealership offers top-notch customer service to every one of our drivers.