Have you realized that your car’s brake pads usually wear out in 3 months or less and wondered what could be the problem? If yes, then today you are in the right place.
Brake pads lie between the rotor and the caliper and play a crucial role in slowing down or stopping the vehicle. They are the component that contacts and applies pressure to the brake rotors allowing your car to slow down or stop.
Because of the constant pressure that brake pads are subjected to, they usually wear down over time and need replacement. In this article, we will tell why brake pads wear down extremely quickly in 3 months or less.
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Why do brake pads wear extremely quickly in 3 months or less?
The main reason why your car brake pads wear out extremely quickly in the first months is because of high friction. Remember that the primary function of brake pads is to slow down your car and it does this by applying pressure to the rotor which is directly connected to the wheel.
They wear out extremely fast because of the constant friction that they are subjected to as they rub against the rotor.
Common factors that affect your brake pads lifespan
As pointed out, the main reason why brake pads wear out very fast is because of constant friction. However, some motorists change their brake pads more often than others.
Several factors determine how fast brake pads wear down. In this section, we will discuss common factors that determine how quickly your brake pads wear down.
Your driving style
One of the main factors that determine how fast your brake pads wear down is your driving style. For instance, people who generally drive at high speeds usually change their brake pads more often than those who drive smoothly.
Driving at high speed puts more strain on the brake pads because of the high amount of friction generated while braking. When you drive fast, your car will need a lot of stopping power which puts a lot of strain on the brake pads.
On the other hand, motorists who drive slower and smoother usually put less strain on the brake pads, causing them to last longer.
The type and quality of brake pads
Another crucial factor that determines how quickly your brake pads last is the type of brake pads that you have installed on your car.
There are many types of brake pads, including ceramic brake pads, carbon fiber brake pads, semi-metallic brake pads, and organic brake pads.
Some brake pads are more durable than others. For instance, ceramic brake pads are more durable than semi-metallic brake pads when other factors are held constant.
Therefore, the type of brake pads that your car has will determine how often you will change them
The overall condition of the caliper and brake rotors
The brake pads work alongside other components like calipers and rotors. If the calipers and rotors are not in good condition, they will cause your brake pads to wear down quicker.
For instance, a stuck brake caliper can cause the brake pad to wear out fast because it does not disengage from the brake rotor.
Road conditions
Road conditions will also determine how fast the brake pads will wear out. For instance, if you drive in rugged terrain, then your car brake pad will wear down quickly compared to if you drive in flat terrain.
Type of transmission
Your car’s transmission will also determine how long your brake pads will last. For instance, if your car has a manual transmission, then your brake pads are more likely to last for long compared to an automatic transmission.
This is because manual transmission not only relies on brake pads to slow down but can also slow down by shifting gears.
How often do you drive the car
It’s quite understandable that driving the car often will play a major role in how long your brake pads will last.
Do brake pads degrade over time even if they are not used?
YES, brake pads usually degrade over time even if they are not used. Brake pads are made from incredibly strong materials that can withstand the immense pressure that they are subjected to.
However, just like other materials, the materials that brake pads are made of usually age with time and become weak. This means that the effectiveness of a brake pad now will not be the same 10 years to come even if it is not used.
How many months do brake pads last?
It depends on many factors, including your driving style, type of transmission, mileage covered, type of brake pads installed, and much more.
For instance, if you drive at high speed and brake frequently, your brake pads will wear down faster than if you drive slowly and smoothly.
How many miles do brake pads usually last?
On average, brake pads last for between 25,000 and 65,000 miles. While it is not possible to give an exact figure, 40,000 miles is the recommended mileage to change your brake pads.
Final verdict
Brake pads play a crucial role in ensuring that your car slows down or stops on time. However, due to high friction, they usually wear down quickly and thus need to be changed regularly.
Sometimes your brake pads can be worn out in 3 months or less depending on various factors listed above. Therefore, it is important to check them regularly and replace them on time if they are worn out.
