It can be difficult to predict the lifespan of your brake pads because it depends on the types of pads and how much you use your brakes. But if you take the following factors into consideration, you should come away with a good estimation of how often you’ll need to visit your local INFINITI dealership to have your pads replaced.
How Often Should Your INFINITI Get New Brake Pads?
Under ordinary usage, the highest quality pads may last 65,000 miles or even longer. This lifespan shortens dramatically if you’re putting your brakes through heavy daily use, such as regular commuting in stop-and-go traffic.
Under heavy usage, pads made from less durable materials may need to be replaced every 25,000 miles, and sometimes even more frequently than that. This large discrepancy in how long pads last depends largely on the materials they’re made from and how brake-heavy your driving conditions are.
Three Types of Brake Pad
Organic Pads
The friction layer of some pads is made from non-metallic materials such as rubber, glass, and kevlar bound together by resin. Organic pads are the least durable type of pads and are generally best suited to lighter vehicles. They tend to have the shortest lifespan.
Semi-Metallic Pads
These days, most cars use semi-metallic pads formed of shavings of steel, copper, graphite, or brass bonded by resin. Semi-metallic pads are heavier and stronger, suitable for all vehicle types, and tend to have a very decent lifespan. You’re quite likely to be using semi-metallic pads in your car.
Ceramic Pads
The rarest and highest quality pads are made from various ceramic fibers bonded under extreme heat. Ceramic pads are lightweight, superbly durable, very heat resistant, and have the longest lifespan.
Brake-Heavy Driving Conditions
The more you use your brakes, the more frequently you’ll need to replace your pads. Some driving conditions require more braking than others. Heavy urban traffic, mountainous terrain, and winding hilly roads all take a toll on pads.
Also, the heavier your vehicle, the more often you’ll need new pads as heavier vehicles take more braking force to stop. So the size of your car may make a difference. Towing or carrying heavy cargo can also wear your pads down faster.
Ask Your INFINITI Dealer How Long Your Pads Will Last
When you take your car in for brake servicing every six months or so, you can ask the technician at your dealership about your pads. Having seen how rapidly your pads are wearing down, they’ll often have a good idea of how long you can expect them to last.
Visit Edison INFINITI today to have your brakes inspected and repaired. We’re a full-service local dealership providing the drivers of Edison and nearby with a one-stop shop for all things INFINITI.
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