How Often Should You Change Your Chevy’s Brake Pads?

Poorly maintained brakes can lengthen the distance your vehicle takes to stop or, in rare cases, fail completely. Unfortunately, you may not notice your braking system starting to deteriorate. Scheduling regular maintenance with your Chevy dealer ensures the safe operation of all your vehicle’s components, including its brake pads. Between service appointments, be mindful of the following guidelines, and don’t ignore any potential safety issues.

Number of Miles on the Vehicle

Pads may last 35,000 miles on the low end or up to 80,000 miles on the high end. Driving more kilometers might mean changing your vehicle’s pads more often, but not always. Driving habits and conditions also affect the lifespan of your car’s braking system.

If you usually drive in an urban area with stop-and-go traffic, you’ll be engaging your brakes, and wearing down the pads, more often. In contrast, highway driving with light traffic typically requires you to use your brakes less often, so your vehicle’s brakes may last longer.

Number of Inches on the Pads

You can visually inspect your car’s pads and measure the friction material remaining on them. If the friction lining has less than 0.25 inches, book an appointment with your dealership. A service technician is better qualified to look for other signs of wear and tear, and they can advise you whether it’s time to replace them. Lining less than 0.10 inches thick requires immediate attention.

Number of Months Since a Chevy Dealer Inspected the Pads

Preventative maintenance is an easy solution to avoid an unexpected mishap. Ask your service technician to inspect the pads when rotating the tires or changing the oil. Noticing unusual noises or problems with your vehicle’s operation between scheduled service appointments is also a reason to contact your dealership.

Pads that are failing may make a squealing or grinding sound, which indicates the pads have worn so thin that they’re scraping against the brake rotors. Feeling your vehicle pull to one side when you brake may mean the pads are coated with grease, dirt, or dust. Routine brake cleaning may prevent this problem, so ask your dealership if it’s the right choice for your vehicle.

Your pads create friction that slows or stops your vehicle, making them essential to your car’s safe and proper functioning. However, the friction causes them to become thinner and less effective over time. Ignoring your vehicle’s pads can compromise your safety on the road and the safety of others. Schedule a service appointment at Ed Martin Chevrolet today, and be confident that your vehicle will be road ready for your daily commute and weekend adventures.

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