How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

If you take good care of your vehicle, you’ll eventually need to ask, “how long do car brakes last?” On average, the lifespan of a car’s brakes is between 25,000 to 65,000 miles. However, how you drive in the Arlington area, where you drive, and what kind of brake pads you use will all affect your brakes’ lifespan. You can learn more from the experts at the Alexandria Volkswagen service center in this article, or by contacting us online with your questions.

How Many Miles Do Brakes Last?

Brakes last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles. That’s a wide range, but it’s impossible to give an exact answer to “how many miles do brakes last?”. Some sets of brake pads can even last over 80,000 miles! Your owner’s manual will have a recommended service schedule for when to have your brake pads inspected, and maybe even when to replace the brakes for your model. Of course, there are many factors related to your driving in the Washington D.C. area that can lengthen the life of your brakes.

Factors That Affect Brake Pad Life

Depending on how you drive around Springfield, your brakes may last a longer or shorter amount of time. Small adjustments to your habits can prolong the life of your brakes considerably. The factors that affect your brakes include:

• Driving Habits: Partially coasting to a stop instead of riding the brakes and braking softly instead of pressing down hard can both lengthen the lifespan of your brake pads.
• Environment: If you drive in a city, you’ll encounter more traffic, lights, and stop signs, which means you’ll brake more. If you spend more time driving on the highway, your brakes usually last longer.
• Brake Pad Material: Different brake pads are made of different materials, and these materials last different amounts of time. For example, carbon-ceramic pads last longer than standard metallic pads. Your owner’s manual might give you more information on what type of brake pads you have if you don’t know already.

Alexandria Volkswagen Can Inspect and Service Your Brakes

Want to go on a long road trip, or don’t remember when your brakes were last checked? Schedule service at our service center in Alexandria. Our service specials can get you a great deal on your brake service, and you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your brakes are in great shape.