Of all the parts in your car’s braking system, installing new pads is the most common part replacement. Neglecting this maintenance can cause greater damage and safety issues. When you need a brake pad change near me, trust Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

Brake Pad Endurance Factors

Typically, brake pads last between 25,000 and 50,000 miles, depending on these factors:

1. Driving Habits

Aggressive driving, such as constantly jamming on the brakes, generates high levels of friction and heat. Excessive heat and friction lead to greater wear on the pads.

2. Motoring Conditions

City driving, with its constant stop-and-go, wears out pads faster than highway driving. Furthermore, continually braking while driving downhill without downshifting leads to greater wear on the brake pads.

3.Vehicle Weight

One fundamental principle of motion depends upon the weight of an object. Generally, it requires more energy to stop a heavier vehicle than a lighter one. This is why larger cars will wear out pads faster than smaller vehicles.

4.Brake Pad Material

Depending on your automaker’s recommendations, driving style, and expected ride, you can choose from 4 brake pad types:

• Organic – a mixture of rubber, carbon compounds, and glass bound together with resin.
• Semi-metallic – consists of 30-70% of iron and steel alongside binding agents and performance enhancers.
• Low metallic – a blend of organic materials and 10%-30% metallic fibers
• Ceramic – ceramic fibers are the primary component mixed with fillers and adhesives.

5. Keeping Up With Routine Maintenance

Brake fluid is one of those components you can easily forget. Nonetheless, contaminated fluid can lead to the calipers, which hold your brake pads, becoming stuck. When calipers don’t release properly, the pad drags across the rotor, wearing down faster.

The Cost of A Brake Pad Change Near Me

Generally, brake pad replacement can cost between $230 to $600. Typically, a variety of factors influence the price:

• Part quality – aftermarket/OEM
• Installation costs/labor rates
• Vehicle make and model
• Brake pad material
• Condition of rotors and calipers

Some car owners may try to change pads to save themselves labor costs. However, this is a job best left to the professionals for these reasons:

• Requires specialized tools
• Misdiagnosis possible
• Compromised safety if fixed incorrectly
• Time commitment Pro 1-2 hours vs. DIY 4-6 hours
• Additional necessary repairs may be necessary

Moreover, most experts recommend performing a brake bedding procedure after installing new brake pads. During the bedding process, a thin layer of pad material transfers onto the rotors to optimize braking performance.

This method involves heating and cooling the brakes in a controlled manner known as the 30/30/30 rule. To do it, you make 30 stops from 30 mph with 30 seconds of cooldown time between stops. Correctly bedding your brakes imparts these benefits:

• Optimizes your stopping power
• Reduces noise for quieter braking
• Avoids uneven wear
• Lengthens brake pad and rotor life

FAQs About Brake Pad Replacement

Unfortunately, brake pads are one of the most common oversold services at some auto shops. How do you know it’s time for a brake pad change near you? Below, we provide some additional information to help you make an informed decision.

How Do I Know It’s Time To Change My Brake Pads?

If you notice any one of these signs, it may be time for a brake pad change near you:

• Screeching sound
• Illuminated brake dashboard indicator light
• Deep, grinding noise
• Vibration when you brake
• Pads are less than ¼ thick
• You’ve reached the service mile interval

Of course, you can always bring your vehicle to Xpress Lube for a FREE brake check. During this procedure, our technicians will check the following components:

• Pads
• Rotors
• Calipers
• Fluid
• Lines and hoses
• Master cylinder
• Wheel speed sensors
• Parking brake

Can I Drive With Worn Brake Pads?

Your brakes are the most critical safety feature on your vehicle. Operating a vehicle with worn pads is dangerous for you and the other drivers on the road. Doing so increases your risk of having an accident due to these factors:

• Reduced stopping power
• Greater stopping distances
• Damage to other braking components
• Increased risk of complete brake failure

Which Brake Pad Type Is Best For My Car?

Of course, choosing a quality brand name is crucial when choosing your brake parts. Aside from brands, you also have brake pad types made from different materials. Each has unique characteristics suited to various kinds of driving:

• Effectiveness and stopping ability
• Durability
• Brake dust generation
• Quiet operation
• Price and value

Ultimately, your driving style, automobile type, and personal preferences affect which kind is best for your vehicle. Of course, you can always ask the experts at Xpress Lube by calling 336-904-6319.

Where Is The Best Place To Get My Brakes Fixed?

For over a quarter of a century, Xpress Lube has been helping car owners maintain their vehicles. Our certified ASE mechanics can service or fix any foreign or domestic car, truck, SUV, or van.

Here are just a few positive comments from our customers:

Mac was awesome. another place quoted my dad $12000 to fix his car. My dad took it here and the true fix was only $149. Very professional. –  Rob H.

I will never go anywhere else as long as I live in this area. These gentlemen are SO good at their jobs and they go out of their way to make sure everything goes the way you want it to. They also all have the best manners! I am so impressed EVERY time I go! Thank you for being such an upstanding business!! I appreciate you!! – Abbye L.

When you need brake servicing or any other repair, call Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville at 336-904-6319.