Your ideal brake pads will depend on your driving style and the conditions that you keep and drive your car in. You’ll need to consider the following: Material Most drivers won’t have to worry about the temperature of their brakes, especially those that avoid heavy or sudden braking. This measurement can be done without removing the wheels. The only caveat here is that the wheels must have openings large enough to be able to see and access the outer pad ends. Semi-metallic pads are harder than organic types and are fabricated of a more durable material. These will provide superior stopping performance and will last longer than organic pads. If a lot of your driving is done on the motorway, you might find your brake pads last longer than if you drive more around inner cities and on shorter journeys.

As mentioned earlier, driving habits will affect brake pad life. Disregarding this, pad life will primarily be related to the pad friction material as discussed in this article. It may be tempting to buy cheaper parts to save on costs, however, the budget option may end up more expensive over time. Look out for quality pads that offer more value for money by avoiding the need to buy and fit replacements. Another factor in brake pad wear is the weight regularly being carried by the vehicle, e.g. four or five passengers, fully loaded boot, towing a caravan etc. When the vehicle is lighter it’s easier to slow down and stop with less braking effort required. tighten the clamp– allow pressure in the system to escape by removing the top from the brake fluid reservoir – watch for overflowing liquid as you tighten the clamp Ceramic pads tend to manage heat better than organic or semi-metallic pads and also are made of a more durable material. These will generally provide the best life.

How long do brake discs last?

The second and more significant difference between brake pads is the material that is used for the friction segments. A variety of such materials are employed, and each type will yield different brake life and performance. Depending on the vehicle model, you may be able to see the outer pad by looking through the spokes of the wheel – the outer pad will be pressed against the brake disc. A vehicle used by a 5-person family is obviously heavier than say, one used by a couple – so stopping it in the same amount of time requires greater pressure and puts more strain on brake pads. Type of brake pads Services will assess the condition of brake pads but at other times, listen and look for the possible flaws mentioned below.

While braking, if the vehicle feels as if it pulls to one side, then it's likely that a brake fault exists. First, it’s worth noting that your driving habits will have a huge impact on the life expectancy of your brake pads and rotors. That said, all brake pads are not the same. There should be at least 3mm of pad visible. If you see anything less, get the brake pads inspected.Although damaged brake pads often give off a screeching sound, perfectly good pads can also be noisy. Metallic pads tend to be the loudest, followed by organic pads. Organic brakes are perfectly suitable for smaller cars and a great option if you’re looking for something eco-friendly and easy on your discs, however, their shorter lifespan may not suit your needs.

This is an absolute minimum and indicates pad replacement is required immediately. You should limit your driving and get your car to your favorite repair or brake shop as soon as possible. Larger, more powerful car owners may want to fit metallic pads for their improved stopping power but should be aware that they’re usually louder than other materials.Never ignore brake pads that need replacing. Most vehicles are fitted with wear sensors to detect when front or rear brake pads are getting critically low. However, there are other signs to look out for too. Warning light It's worth taking into account the following factors to give you an idea of how long your brake pads might last. Where you drive If you can hear a loud screeching sound when braking it's a real warning sign that new brake pads are needed, or at least the current ones require inspection. Ceramic brakes are perfect for high-performance, long-lasting and near-silent braking, but come with an expensive price tag. Operating temperature That’s because urban journeys require more stopping and starting at traffic lights, roundabouts and junctions – so your brakes are used far more often than when cruising along on a motorway. The weight of your car

It will show on the car's display board to indicate that at least one set of pads is almost worn out and a replacement needs to be fitted. If you want to avoid cleaning brake dust from your wheels, ceramic pads are your best option. However, they can prove expensive and you may want to go for organic brake pads that give off slightly more debris. Cost Although it fluctuates based on the type of road you’re on: the more miles you put in, the more you use your brakes and the faster your brake pads wear out. It's as simple as that.