J.D. Power on the Cost of Replacing Pads

TROY, Mich. — J.D. Power posted this article by Dustin Hawley on its website to provide consumers with some basic information about the cost to replace brake pads.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Brake Pads?

Do not wait until there are metal plates instead of brake pads. It is better to replace them beforehand if there is a probability (judging by the residual life of the lining and wear dynamics) that the pads will not make it to the next planned maintenance. Thanks to this, your discs and drums, which are pretty expensive, will remain in good condition.

What Affects The Condition Of Brake Pads?

Brake pad life varies greatly and depends on vehicle type, driving style, and operating conditions. In addition, the rear brake pads do not need to be replaced as often as the front pads in most cases.

First, the rear brakes are usually drum-type and have a longer service life. Secondly, with the same brake design on all four wheels, the front axle system is more stressed and requires frequent maintenance.

Let’s look at the main factors that affect the rate of brake pad wear:

Pad design. Much depends on the shape of the pad, the area of contact with the disc or drum, and friction layer thickness. Massive pads with a large contact area are more durable.

Friction pad manufacturing material. Ceramic pads last the longest, while organic pads have the shortest life. Metal variants are right in between the previous two.

Driving style. Aggressive acceleration and sharp braking significantly reduce the service life of the pads.

Operating conditions. Driving in the city, mountainous areas or other conditions where the brakes are frequently used reduces the life of the pads. Extremely low or high ambient temperatures also have a negative effect.

Type of transmission. When the driver properly uses engine braking or neutral on the manual, the pads will last longer as compared to automatic transmission vehicles.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Brake Pads?

The average front brake pad replacement cost is between $115 and $300; this is about the same as the cost of rear brake pad replacement. The cost of replacing all four brake pads, including parts and labor, ranges between $230 and $600 for all four wheels.

Summary

Car owners often delay replacing the brake pads, which may lead to further complications. To avoid that, you should change the pads every 6,000 to 18,000 miles or 1 to 3 cycles. It would greatly assist in keeping things in check and allow you to retain peace of mind.

The Brake Report
The Brake Report

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