How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

How long do car brakes last? While you might expect your brakes to last for up to five years or 50,000 miles, these are at best rough estimates. Real-world brake performance depends on how often you drive, the type of brake pads you’ve selected, and–most importantly–your behavior behind the wheel on Rye adventures.

At the end of the day, the answer to the question “How many miles do brakes last?” could be anywhere from 25,000 to 65,000 miles–or even more if you have ceramic brake pads. Today, the service experts from Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich will help you answer the following questions:

• How long do brake pads last?
• How do you get your brake pads to last longer?
• When should you replace your brake pads?
• What factors affect brake pad life?
• How long do ceramic brake pads last?

How Many Miles Do Brakes Last? – Types of Brake Pads

Before we answer the question, “How long do brake pads last?” you’ll want to know about the different types of brake pads available. Knowing about the different types of brake pads available can help you learn how to make your brakes last longer on Stamford drives. Brake pads come in three basic varieties, and differ significantly in terms of their performance:

• Non-Metallic Organic Brake Pads: These are preferred by New Canaan drivers who want something extra quiet. However, these pads also have the shortest expected lifespan.
• Semi-Metallic Brake Pads: Semi-metallic brake pads are by far the most common. Not too costly, and reasonably durable, they’re preferred by a wide range of drivers.
• Ceramic Brake Pads: These are the longest-lasting type of brake pads available today. Of course, they’re also the most expensive.

If you’re not sure about the correct Mercedes-Benz brake pads you should be using, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our parts department. We only stock genuine, OEM-approved Mercedes-Benz brake pads, so it’s easy to find exactly what you need at our dealership in Greenwich, CT.

How Do You Get Your Brake Pads To Last Longer?

So, how long do brake pads last? We know that brake pads can generally last around 25,000 to 65,000 miles, but how can you ensure that you get the most value out of your brake pads? The less (and less aggressively) you brake, the longer your brake pads will last! Here’s how that works in practice:

• Coasting: Coasting to a stop whenever possible is guaranteed to prolong the life of your brake pads.
• Stop & Go Traffic: Driving on the highway–or anywhere you can avoid stop & go traffic–will also save your pads.
• Tire Maintenance: If your tires have poor traction or low tread depth, your brakes will have to work harder to stop the car. Taking good care of your tires allows your brakes to last longer.

When Should I Replace My Brake Pads?

We understand why many drivers want to prolong the life of their brake pads, but it’s never worth it to postpone essential service. Doing so won’t just put you at greater risk on New Canaan roads but it may also damage your brake rotors, which can be much more expensive to repair or replace.

If you’ve noticed that your brakes aren’t what they used to be, schedule service and let us take care of the issue today. You can check the brake pads to see if they look thin, but for most drivers, shaking while braking is the warning sign that gets their attention first. If you hear screeching, act quickly–your rotors may already be in danger.

What Factors Affect Brake Pad Life?

There are several factors that can affect your brake pad life. Although using genuine OEM Mercedes-Benz brake pads are a great way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your brakes, there are also other considerations you’ll have to keep in mind. Take a look at a few factors that can impact how quickly your brake pads can wear down:

• Road conditions
• Driving habits
• Brake pad material
• Maintenance
• Braking component conditions

How Long Do Ceramic Brake Pads Last?

Ceramic brake pads are often found on luxury and performance vehicles like you’ll often find within our Mercedes-Benz inventory. If your vehicle requires ceramic brake pads, it’s a good idea to use the suggested brake pads for your vehicle if you want optimal performance on your drives.

But do ceramic brake pads last longer? While regular brake pads can last around 20,000 miles to 65,000 miles, you can often expect ceramic brake pads to last up to 75,000 miles on average. Of course, actual mileage can vary.

We’re Your Greenwich Source for Mercedes-Benz Brake Pads!

You’ll notice an immediate difference when you pick up a new set of brakes at Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich. Plus, now that you know how long car brakes last and how to protect them on the road, you’re prepared to get more value out of every mile! Take advantage of our rotating parts and service specials and schedule brake pad replacement today.