How Much to Replace Brake Pads

Brakes are necessary for the operation of all vehicles on the road today. They represent a vital part of your vehicle’s braking system. Unfortunately, brake pads can wear out over tens of thousands of miles of driving, which is a part of car ownership. And you must keep your brakes in excellent condition for your safety and your family’s safety. If you bring your vehicle in for regular service at Kelley Buick GMC, Inc., we can inspect the brakes periodically to make sure they don’t reach a point where they make noises that indicate they’re wearing out. Our service team will happily replace your car’s brake pads. These vital parts help the brakes stop quickly when it matters most.

You might wonder, “How much does it cost to replace brake pads?” The service team at Kelley Buick GMC, Inc. near Lakeland explains everything you need to know about brake pads. Find out how much to replace brake pads, as well as the signs that it’s time for new brake pads.

How Much to Replace Brake Pads on Average

The cost of a brake pad replacement varies. The first thing to consider is the make, model, and year of the car. For example, a sedan with 15-inch wheels might have a different price for brake pads compared to a pickup truck with 22-inch wheels. The average cost for new brake pads is $150 per axle. However, you can expect the price to range from $100 to $300 per axle.

Brake pads on the less expensive side of the spectrum are called organic. They are made from glass, fiber, carbon, rubber, and even Kevlar mixed with resins to bond them together. These are the materials that automakers typically use to construct brake pads at the factory as they assemble a vehicle. Higher-priced composite brake pads come from more rugged materials like metal shavings of copper, steel, and brass, and are bonded together with resin and graphite. Although more expensive, these composite brake pads offer greater heat resistance and less brake fade with routine use. Ceramic brake pads are the most expensive, but they also last the longest and resist heat the most. Ceramic is excellent at shunting heat away from the brakes, and the lower heat keeps the brakes in better shape over the long term.

The cost of brake pads also varies by dealership and location. Contact us or call (866) 606-9319 for a quote on a brake pad replacement for your vehicle near Winterhaven. We’ll let you know how much to expect to pay for brake pad service at our dealership.

Brakes vs. Brake Pads: What Are the Differences?

Brakes and brake pads are two terms often used interchangeably. However, there are clear differences between the two.

• Brakes refer to the braking system as a whole, including the brake pads, rotors, discs, calipers, master cylinder, brake fluid, and brake lines. If you drive an older vehicle, the system also includes brake drums. Without any of these items, your brakes won’t work when you hit the pedal.
• Brake pads are an important part of the brake system. Calipers squeeze the brake pads, and then the brake pads apply pressure to the brake rotors or discs to bring the wheels to a complete stop.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

Brake pads last around 40,000 to 50,000 miles before you need to replace them. Higher-priced brake pads can last longer than the least-expensive ones. Driving habits can lengthen or shorten the lifespan of your brake pads. If you hit the brakes suddenly and often, especially while towing a trailer behind your pickup truck or SUV, you put added strain on the brake pads. If you coast to a stop as often as you can and avoid slamming on the brakes, your vehicle’s brake pads can last much longer than the prescribed mileage. You’ll get more out of them and won’t need to spend as much on brake pads over the life of owning your vehicle.

Signs Your Car Needs Its Brake Pads Replaced

When your vehicle needs its GMC brake pads replaced, you’ll notice things that are fairly obvious. If you experience these signs, schedule a service appointmentat Kelley Buick GMC, Inc. to get your car’s brake pads changed ASAP. There are safety concerns when there are brakes involved. These are the signs that your vehicle needs new brake pads:

• The brakes are making a squealing or squeaking sound
• The brake indicator light turns on
• Grinding metal sound
• Brake pedal vibrates
• The brake pads are less than 1/4 inch thick

Schedule Brake Pad Replacement at Kelley Buick GMC, Inc.

Have you noticed a strange squeaking or grinding noise when you hit the brake pedal? Is the brake light on your dashboard illuminated? Worn brake pads may be the cause, but there is only one way to know for sure, and that’s to bring your vehicle to a certified brake technician. Contact us or call (866) 606-9319 with any questions about our brake repair or replacement service. You might be able to save some money on your brake service when you take advantage of our service specials. We’re happy to help keep you and your family safe in your car, truck, or SUV near Aurburndale!