On Average, How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

If you’ve recently brought home a new or used vehicle and you’re in the midst of budgeting for future maintenance costs, one question you’ll need to ask is, “How long do car brakes last?” On average, car brakes should last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, but the actual mileage you get may vary depending on your driving habits in Thomasville, GA, i.e. the terrain you frequently encounter and how you use your brakes. The type of brake pads your vehicle has can also affect how long the brakes will last. Read on to learn more about brake maintenance with the Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC service department.

How Many Miles Do Brakes Last with Proper Maintenance?

The key to making your brakes last longer on Crawfordville roads is proper maintenance. So, how many miles do brakes last when you take care of them with routine service? As we noted, the average brake life range is 25,000–65,000 miles. However, some drivers can make their brakes last longer than 80,000 miles! Consult the owner’s manual to learn what brake maintenance is required for your vehicle, then be diligent about following up on brake pad inspections and any other manufacturer recommendations.

If you bought a used vehicle and you’re not sure when to expect the brakes to wear out, our service technicians can help! We can account for torque calculations, performance specs, and other factors to give you an accurate estimate of when your brakes will need to be replaced. When replacement is needed, you can visit us again to have genuine OEM parts installed.

Tips to Make Your Brakes Last Longer

• Brake Softly: If you coast to a stop and use a gentle foot on the brake, your brakes will last a lot longer. 
• Take the Highway: Choose the highway over city streets whenever possible. City driving usually means you’re braking more often for traffic, lights, and stop signs, which wears your brakes out faster.
• Brake Pad Material: The most durable brake pads are carbon-ceramic, though they tend to cost more than standard metallic brake pads. If you’re unsure what type is right for your vehicle and your driving expectations, you can check your owner’s manual or speak with our parts experts.

Is Your Car Shaking When Braking? 

A car that shakes when the brakes are applied is a cause for concern. Typically, the underlying issue is some type of problem with the brake system, and you definitely don’t want to take a gamble on your brakes’ functionality. 

If the brakes aren’t causing your car to shake, here are some other potential causes:

• One of the tires has “run out,” meaning it has lost its perfectly round shape
• Your car needs to be aligned or the wheels need balancing
• The axle shaft is compromised 
• There are loose lug nuts
• The steering is partially compromised by a loose control arm or damaged knuckle

The service department at Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC will thoroughly investigate the issue to determine the root cause. Whether it’s your brake system or something else, we’ll fix it and get you back to driving safely in Panama City. 

Book a Brake Service Appointment in Tallahassee

Whether you’re due for service or you want us to inspect your vehicle so you can get a personalized answer to, “How many miles do brakes last,” once and for all. Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC is here for you. Book a service appointment to get started, or contact us to speak with our advisors. We provide ongoing service offers to make essential brake maintenance and replacement more affordable!