At the Subaru of Glendale automotive service center, we often get questions from new customers about the durability and expected lifespan of the parts we install. One such question is asked regarding the braking system of a vehicle — more specifically, “How long do brake pads last?” 

Read the following sections to learn the answer to this question, as well as more information about your vehicle’s braking system and potential upgrades like ceramic brake pads! How long do ceramic brake pads last? Find that out here, too! Don’t forget to reach out to us if you have any questions — our Glendale team is here to help!

What Causes Brake Pad Wear? 

Brake pads, as you may already know, are the pieces of your braking system that make direct contact with brake rotors to cause friction and slow down your vehicle on the streets of Los Angeles. This friction, and the heat caused by it, is exactly the reaction that causes brake pads to eventually wear down to the point of needing replacement.

There are a few factors that can increase or decrease the rate of use of brake pad components. Some of which, like how hard you regularly apply the brake pedal, are totally within your control! Other, less controllable factors such as outside temperatures and road conditions can also negatively impact the brake pads. Check out the list below for a breakdown of the factors that can impact how long brake pads last:

• Driving/braking habits
• Type of brake pad
• Manual vs. automatic transmission
• Local driving environment
• Condition of other brake components

How Long Should Brake Pads Last?

With the above information in mind, it should be noted that brake pads have a different rate of burn-off for each make and model and, more specifically, each brand and quality level of the brake pads themselves. However, you can expect the average set of brake pads to last at least about 20,000 miles on the low end or up to 75,000 miles on the high end while driving through North Hollywood.

How Long Do Ceramic Brake Pads Last?

When discussing the higher end of how long brake pads last, it’s hard not to talk about the most resilient brake pad material, typically only found on high-performance and luxury cars: ceramic brake pads! How long do ceramic brake pads last? They can perform reliably for up to 75,000 miles on average! Call us at (805) 853-5097 and ask about a potential ceramic brake pad upgrade!

Choose Subaru of Glendale for All of Your Service Needs!

How long should brake pads last? How long do ceramic brake pads last? Now you know the answers to these questions! When was the last time you had your brakes inspected? Stay safe on the roads of Pasadena and beyond with a comprehensive vehicle inspection along with your next oil change! Schedule a service appointment at Subaru of Glendale and review our ongoing service offers to save on critical repairs and components.