How often should rear brakes be replaced?

Brake Pads: When to Replace Them

As a general rule, you should get your brake pads replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to keep wear to a minimum. When it comes to your rotors, you have a bit longer. Your rotors should be replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles to keep your brakes in peak health.

How long do rear brakes usually last?

Most car brakes will last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles–between three and six years for most daily drivers–but some sets may last even longer for those who exercise good habits. Don't forget, we're talking about the brake pads.

How do I know if my rear brakes need to be replaced?

Do rear brakes wear out faster?

Your front brake pads will also wear down faster than your rear pads. The front of your vehicle handles a lot more weight transfer as you brake, causing more wear. Over time heat and friction also contribute to brake pad wear. Which axle your brakes are on will also influence how much wear and tear your pads sustain.

Is it OK to replace rear brakes only?

Well, first, you absolutely should replace both front or both rear brake pads at the same time. Unless something's really wrong, one should be wearing out at about the same rate as the other.

Diagnostic: When Should I Replace My Vehicle's Brakes?

Is it better to replace front or rear brakes?

Because your front brakes wear out much faster, we recommend replacing your brakes in repairs - front at one time, back at another time. You will likely need to replace your front brake pads sooner than your rear brake pads.

Should I replace my front or rear brakes first?

Most mechanics recommend replacing brake pads in the front or brake pads in the rear at the same time. If one brake pad on the front axle is replaced, then all brake pads on the front axle should be replaced.

Are rear brakes more expensive than front?

In a perfect world, sure they are. Unfortunately, our world is festooned with imperfections, and higher prices for rear brakes just happens to be one of them. If you have rear disc brakes, this repair (with just the standard pad/rotor replacement) will run $25-$75 higher than the front brake repair, on average.

Do front or rear brakes last longer?

On average, rear brake pads will last longer because most cars are front wheel drive, so the front brake pads work harder to help slow them down. The lifespan of your brake pads is affected by your driving style, hence the 35,000 mile leeway.

How much should it cost to replace rear brake pads and rotors?

Expect a brake job of replacing brake pads and rotors to cost $250-$400 per axle on average. If you drive a heavy-duty pickup truck and haul or tow a lot, your costs may go up quite a built.

Do rear brakes do anything?

Rear brakes typically handle less than 40% of the braking force, so they don't generate as much heat as the front brakes. The rear brake is designed to provide stability, or else they would lock up every time you hit the brake pedal.

How much does it cost to replace brakes?

What's the average cost to replace brake pads? The average cost of parts is between $35 and $150. The average cost of labor is between $80 and $120 per axle. The average brake pad replacement total is between $115 and $300 per axle (parts + labor).

How long do rear drum brakes last?

Drum brakes are generally expected to last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. Their brake shoes generally need to be replaced about every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Of course, the conditions your vehicle is exposed to over time will have an impact on drum brakes' wear, too.

How do I know when my rotors are bad?

How do I know if I need brakes or rotors?

CARS.COM — If your car's brakes are squeaking, squealing or making ominous grinding noises when you apply the pedal, you might need new brake pads or rotors. Ditto if the brake pedal has more travel than usual before you feel much braking force, or if it just feels like your car requires longer distances to stop.

Do rear brakes wear out slower?

That's because braking shifts the car's weight forward, which means the front rotors need to be stronger, NAPA explains. But there is a reason why rear brake pads can wear faster than expected: traction control and electronic stability control.

How quickly do brake pads wear out?

Brake pads and shoes are generally thought to be good between 30,000-35,000 miles in urban use. In less demanding situations like highway driving in light traffic, brakes may last 80,000 miles or more.

Which brakes do the most work?

The front brakes do most of the work as the vehicle's weight pushes forward while stopping. Therefore, many vehicles are equipped with disc brakes on the front axle and drum brakes on the rear.

What brand of brake pads are the best?

Do I need to replace rotors with brake pads?

If your rotors appear warped or worn beyond the recommended discard thickness, they'll recommend having them replaced along with your brake pads. If your rotors seem okay, some shops will recommend having them resurfaced along with the new pads.

Should I replace all 4 brake rotors?

You do not need to replace all 4 rotors at the same time, but it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or back at the same time. If the front brakes need to be replaced but the rear brakes are not worn out yet, then you do not need to replace the rear brakes.

What happens if you wait too long to change your brakes?

First, the brake pads are attached to what are essentially metal clamps -- which will begin grinding against the rotor. This can cause the rotor to warp or break. Second, the lack of brake pads means the heat from the friction won't disperse correctly, which could cause the whole braking system to overheat and fail.

How much does it cost for a full brake job?

Complete brake repair that includes the pads, rotors and calipers can end up costing between $300 and $800 per axle. Though it can be expensive to replace your brake system or get brake repairs, it's a necessary part of being a responsible car owner.

What happens when rear brakes go bad?

When you drive with worn out brake pads, rotors, or calipers, you may find yourself slamming on the brake pedal more often to slow or stop the car. All this hard braking can wear your tires down quicker or cause them to become unbalanced, leading to uneven tire wear.