When you think about it, the prospect of a catastrophic brake failure while driving is no less than terrifying. Thankfully, it’s exceptionally rare for things like this to occur. Not only are modern braking systems practically bulletproof, but several components would have to fail simultaneously for your car’s brakes to cut out entirely.
Sadly, this doesn’t detract from the number of brake-related accidents that occur each year, due entirely to driver negligence. MOT testing and servicing aside, it is your responsibility to ensure that your brakes are in adequate condition at all times.
Brake pads in particular play an essential role in staying safe on the roads. It’s the friction between your car’s brake pads and discs that enable you to control your car’s speed. If either is allowed to deteriorate to a dangerous level, the results could be deadly.
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
It’s impossible to say how long a set of brake pads will last, as there are numerous factors that affect their condition and performance. For example, the number of miles you cover each year and how aggressively you drive will play a major role in determining when they need to be replaced.
Is a very rough estimate, a good set of brake pads can keep you going for anything from 20,000 miles to more than 50,000 miles.
How Much Do Brake Pads Cost?
Replacing brake pads manually is possible, but it’s generally not worth bothering with. At a decent garage, you’ll generally be looking at less than £100 for a full new set of brake pads. All complete with a parts and labour warranty of some kind, and the assurance that they have been fitted safely.
Given the importance of the role they play in keeping your car safe, it’s better to have the pros change them for you.
How Can I Tell if My Brake Pads Are Worn?
More often than not, the tell-tale signs that one or more brake pads need replacing are easy to pick up on. You can inspect them close-up to see what kind of condition they’re in, but it’s usually not necessary.
For example, a screeching noise either while braking or while driving in general suggests that something isn’t quite right. Your brake pads probably won’t be dangerously deteriorated at this stage, but it’s a warning sign they’re on their way out.
Further down the line, this screeching sound will eventually turn into an unpleasant grinding noise. This indicates that the pads may have worn away completely, and your car braking system is no longer working adequately. In which case, you should get your car towed to a garage ASAP – don’t even think about driving it.
Last up, it can also be a sign of worn brake pads when a car pulls to one side or the other while braking. If you notice any unusual shaking or vibrations in the steering wheel when applying the brakes, have your car inspected as a matter of urgency.
For more information on any of the services we provide or to discuss car scrapping and recycling in more detail, contact a member of the team at Take My Scrap Car anytime.
