Not Logged In Log In   Sign Up   Points Leaders
Follow Us    6:32 PM

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: Fuel Economy > Topics Add to favorite topics   Post new topicPost New Topic
Author Topic: How many miles do you drive between brake jobs? Post a Reply Back to Topics
windrifter

Rookie Author
KW

Posts:72
Points:217,860
Joined:Dec 2010
Message Posted: Feb 18, 2011 12:10:47 PM

I just had my brakes redone: new rotors and pads.
I checked back and found that the last complete service was at 96,000 km.
It had been about 110,000 km (65,000 miles). I had one cylinder seize up at around 120,000 km.
I coast to stop at traffic lights and drive a lot of highway miles, but I never thought brakes could last that long.

My mechanic said that he has some people come in requiring new brakes after as little as 25,000 km because they are "jack rabbit" drivers.

How long do your brakes last?
REPLIES (newest first)
Profile Pic
jrferrari
All-Star Author Orlando

Posts:652
Points:172,590
Joined:Jan 2011
Message Posted: Dec 25, 2012 10:58:25 AM

It makes a big difference what type of transmission you have. With a manual transmission I can go 60K - 80K miles between brake jobs. With an automatic it is usually around 35K miles.
Profile Pic
sagnat
Champion Author Riverside

Posts:1,144
Points:306,310
Joined:Jun 2012
Message Posted: Dec 25, 2012 10:22:12 AM

My last commuter I got a full 100,000 miles between brake jobs compliments of 130 round trip highway commute and a shift that has me running the opposite direction of the traffic. very little brake action going on.
Profile Pic
Ram4Sam
All-Star Author San Bernardino

Posts:889
Points:545,845
Joined:Nov 2008
Message Posted: Sep 15, 2011 9:47:32 AM

Coming up on 100,000 miles on original brakes....Six speed and exhaust brake help a bunch. Dodge diesel pickup.
Profile Pic
TriniB
Champion Author Montreal

Posts:2,350
Points:437,690
Joined:Oct 2010
Message Posted: Sep 15, 2011 7:26:51 AM

35,000 to 45,000 mls
Profile Pic
JimBlake56
Veteran Author Akron

Posts:376
Points:75,060
Joined:Oct 2010
Message Posted: Sep 13, 2011 2:47:21 PM

I check out the brakes every time I rotate tires, so worn-out pads don't sneak up on me. The pads are lasting about 50k to 60k miles on daughters' cars. My car is newer so I don't have the "history". My former cars went sorta like 50k miles.

At some point when the pads are about half-gone, I'll check out the brakes more thoroughly, & grease the caliper slide-pins so they don't seize.
Profile Pic
pmjwright2
All-Star Author British Columbia

Posts:551
Points:71,530
Joined:Sep 2006
Message Posted: Sep 13, 2011 11:24:22 AM

My city is very hilly. Pads only seem to last 50 K km under those conditions. That means I'm replacing them every 2 years--fairly easy to predict as it turns out, and I just keep an eye on them each time I swap winter/summer tires.
Profile Pic
GLM4205
Champion Author Toledo

Posts:4,047
Points:798,345
Joined:Dec 2010
Message Posted: Sep 6, 2011 7:05:56 AM

I just had pads replaced on the front wheel at 84356 miles on my Honda 2003 V6.
Profile Pic
weezer769
Champion Author Dallas

Posts:7,602
Points:633,655
Joined:Aug 2011
Message Posted: Sep 5, 2011 5:44:39 PM

35k
Profile Pic
bikergirlss
Champion Author Kansas

Posts:2,777
Points:178,530
Joined:Jun 2004
Message Posted: Sep 5, 2011 3:34:34 PM

I haven't owned any cars in the recent past long enough to warrant a "brake job"
Profile Pic
Byte_Doctor
Champion Author Akron

Posts:3,485
Points:715,590
Joined:Apr 2011
Message Posted: Aug 27, 2011 9:20:23 PM

I never kept track of how long a set of brake pads lasted me, but I've put over 200k on my car and I think I've only put on 2 sets front, one rear...
Profile Pic
roadrunnin
Champion Author Richmond

Posts:1,749
Points:563,410
Joined:May 2008
Message Posted: Aug 20, 2011 3:10:34 PM

Front brakes lasted about 3 yrs rear brakes still original at 127K miles. Had the mechanic take off both rear wheels to check them and they are barely worn.
Profile Pic
jeff28
All-Star Author Tampa

Posts:605
Points:353,090
Joined:Oct 2009
Message Posted: Aug 20, 2011 10:33:57 AM

When I hear noises or when auto mechanic advises.
Profile Pic
MertieMan
Champion Author Lexington

Posts:14,778
Points:2,893,660
Joined:May 2005
Message Posted: Aug 17, 2011 8:25:40 AM

We easily get over 50,000 miles on the front brake pads. I do not let people borrow my vehicles because no two people drive alike.
Profile Pic
ricebike
Champion Author New Jersey

Posts:10,026
Points:1,854,745
Joined:Oct 2005
Message Posted: Aug 16, 2011 10:52:23 PM

what did sophia just say?
Profile Pic
SophiaCA
Champion Author San Jose

Posts:1,727
Points:283,635
Joined:Mar 2011
Message Posted: Aug 13, 2011 11:21:27 AM

The brake job last from 3 to 5 years, but you step on the brake a lot then it will last couple years, and also it depends on driver using local road or freeway.
Profile Pic
ricebike
Champion Author New Jersey

Posts:10,026
Points:1,854,745
Joined:Oct 2005
Message Posted: Aug 13, 2011 4:37:00 AM

it depends if i do mostly city vs highway driving

usually 3-5 years

i'm not worried because i know how to do it myself

[Edited by: ricebike at 8/13/2011 4:37:48 AM EST]
Profile Pic
klr650guy
Champion Author British Columbia

Posts:3,729
Points:482,370
Joined:Dec 2007
Message Posted: Aug 12, 2011 9:36:58 PM

I worked on a full sized GMC pickup today for a customer. I changed out the original front pads for him, and it has 314,000 kms on it. The rears still have lots left, but may need changing in 100,000 or so more.
Profile Pic
jimmy544
Champion Author Boston

Posts:4,094
Points:651,905
Joined:Feb 2011
Message Posted: Aug 12, 2011 8:21:57 PM

Where I live there is a lot of stop and go driving in many parts of town you have to stop at every block. Brakes don't last well here and gas mileage in town is terrible. I am lucky to get 30-50 kmiles out of a set of pads and rotors.
Profile Pic
phatbak
Champion Author Georgia

Posts:1,205
Points:279,780
Joined:Apr 2011
Message Posted: Aug 12, 2011 12:10:28 PM

212,000 miles on my '97 Jeep Cherokee mall-cruiser. Changed pads ONCE.
Profile Pic
aftiggerintel
All-Star Author Omaha

Posts:567
Points:162,235
Joined:Mar 2011
Message Posted: Aug 12, 2011 7:53:04 AM

I check them every 20k but have had some last for 120k miles and others close to 60k. All depends on the car and driver.
Profile Pic
Che1967
Veteran Author Wisconsin

Posts:257
Points:72,710
Joined:Jun 2011
Message Posted: Aug 10, 2011 4:51:36 PM

LOL! Bought my car, a 1967 Dodge Dart, in April of 2010 with the original drum brakes, front and rear,which are still on it and still stopping it!
Profile Pic
bullfrog42
All-Star Author Texas

Posts:841
Points:169,890
Joined:May 2011
Message Posted: Aug 10, 2011 2:19:06 PM

I change arround 100,000 miles
Profile Pic
dsgrey
Veteran Author Dallas

Posts:316
Points:501,525
Joined:Mar 2005
Message Posted: Aug 10, 2011 10:24:25 AM

Hwy commuting - I usually go over 100k miles before needing a change and then it's usually just the front pads. Having light cars helps too.
Profile Pic
Houckster
Champion Author Atlanta

Posts:9,339
Points:693,315
Joined:Sep 2003
Message Posted: Aug 10, 2011 9:45:08 AM

I usually get around 50-60K between brake jobs. I changed the rotors to the Powerstop Cryogenic rotors to avoid the problems that cheap rotors have. I use the EBC SUV/truck pads that are supposed to dust less (which I've found true) and are less abrasive to the rotors. I replace my Ranger's drum brakes on the back with a Stainless Steel rotor kit and EBC Green Stuff pads.

[Edited by: Houckster at 8/10/2011 9:50:06 AM EST]
Profile Pic
mzagnoon
Champion Author Madison

Posts:1,189
Points:307,125
Joined:May 2011
Message Posted: Aug 10, 2011 9:31:02 AM

The OEM brakes on my Mazda 6 lasted 15,000 miles. The replacement brakes (ceramic pads with EBC rotors) lasted 20,000 miles, which was very disappointing since they had a 50,000 mile rating. The EBC rotors warped from the heat generated while braking. Now I have regular rotors and ceramic pads on my car. Let's hope they last!
Profile Pic
oilpan4
Champion Author Virginia

Posts:12,041
Points:306,600
Joined:Jul 2006
Message Posted: Aug 10, 2011 8:17:48 AM

I do it when the pads get worn down, when I want to do a brake upgrade, have a pull to one side or the other not curable with brake cleaner alone or just when ever I feel like it.

For one reason or another I seem not to be able to leave them alone for longer than 2 years.
Profile Pic
dontuknowOH
Champion Author Ohio

Posts:2,098
Points:36,565
Joined:Aug 2009
Message Posted: Aug 10, 2011 8:16:52 AM

51,000 with 15% use left on the main driven vehicle(80% city driving, ceramic).OEM...
Profile Pic
jdunlap65
Champion Author West Virginia

Posts:1,372
Points:239,980
Joined:May 2007
Message Posted: Aug 10, 2011 7:31:56 AM

having brakes put on tomorrow...40,000
Profile Pic
laureanne
Rookie Author New York

Posts:10
Points:8,950
Joined:Aug 2005
Message Posted: Jul 10, 2011 7:07:19 PM

I just had my rear breaks and rotors replaced at 45,000. I commute and drive mostly highway miles. I have a 2009 Camry. I see most people are getting at least 50,000. I don't tend to ride the brake. I wonder why they went sooner than most.
Profile Pic
PapaHomer
Champion Author St. Louis

Posts:2,235
Points:531,815
Joined:Jun 2011
Message Posted: Jun 18, 2011 4:20:56 PM

I have been at around 60-65K on front disc,80+ or rear drum.
Last couple of vehicles it seems that they are making the rotors thinner... so I end up with warped rotors, but pads are still good.

Definitely want to use good parts.
I have had less problems with ceramic pads.
Profile Pic
MedicBMC
Rookie Author San Bernardino

Posts:42
Points:21,590
Joined:Jun 2011
Message Posted: Jun 16, 2011 1:01:55 PM

I change mine about every 60k.
Profile Pic
dontuknowOH
Champion Author Ohio

Posts:2,098
Points:36,565
Joined:Aug 2009
Message Posted: Jun 15, 2011 11:33:06 PM

58-70K depends on which veh.
Profile Pic
driven2save
All-Star Author Georgia

Posts:566
Points:105,630
Joined:Jun 2011
Message Posted: Jun 15, 2011 6:45:43 PM

wife got 80k on nissan sentra before they were wore out and she drives with 2 feet. I thought 80k was good.
Profile Pic
ekelly7
Champion Author Twin Cities

Posts:18,291
Points:3,528,700
Joined:Oct 2001
Message Posted: Jun 15, 2011 7:50:46 AM

80k
Profile Pic
ricebike
Champion Author New Jersey

Posts:10,026
Points:1,854,745
Joined:Oct 2005
Message Posted: Jun 15, 2011 12:33:12 AM

i check every year,

but i remove the sliding caliper pins and clean/ relube them at least every 2 years
Profile Pic
CivicMindedCA
All-Star Author Sacramento

Posts:535
Points:126,380
Joined:May 2008
Message Posted: Jun 14, 2011 10:33:36 PM

I still have what I think are the originals on my Civic. Has 93,000 miles at the moment. But since I hypermile and coast up to stoplights, etc., I've gone real easy on the brakes since I bought the car used at 58K miles. Brakes still have a bit of life left, but I may have to get them replaced in the next year or so.
Profile Pic
aftiggerintel
All-Star Author Omaha

Posts:567
Points:162,235
Joined:Mar 2011
Message Posted: Jun 14, 2011 1:48:11 PM

I get them inspected starting at 50k miles. After that it's a matter of when they actually need changed.
Profile Pic
atomicleda
Rookie Author Birmingham

Posts:2
Points:12,595
Joined:Jun 2011
Message Posted: Jun 14, 2011 10:43:11 AM

2007 Ford Edge, around 66k miles, still on original brakes and not even close to needing them changed. I always make my brakes and tires last forever.

My husband always goes through both about twice as fast, depending on the vehicle, but he's currently still on the original brakes with 50k miles on a 2007 Ford Focus. I think that's the longest he's ever gone on the same brakes. Maybe I'm getting through to him. :P
Profile Pic
JunGleJimBo
All-Star Author Orange County

Posts:535
Points:231,155
Joined:Jun 2009
Message Posted: Jun 14, 2011 9:00:24 AM

On my 1998 onda Civic, I tend to get 50,000 miles on the front discs and 100,000 miles on the rear drums. At over 170,000 miles, I still have the original clutch! I am curious how long that will last...

JimBo
Profile Pic
rick_evans
Champion Author Boston

Posts:3,714
Points:1,031,780
Joined:Aug 2005
Message Posted: Jun 14, 2011 7:48:44 AM

Still on the original pads at 64K miles.
Profile Pic
JetManCT
Champion Author Hartford

Posts:3,615
Points:717,645
Joined:May 2011
Message Posted: Jun 14, 2011 12:04:45 AM

at least 50k
Profile Pic
fredjara
All-Star Author California

Posts:595
Points:123,415
Joined:Mar 2011
Message Posted: Jun 13, 2011 9:36:42 PM

I have a shade over 50k miles on my 2005 Nissan Frontier. Still running on the same brakes.
Profile Pic
matt8sj
All-Star Author San Jose

Posts:520
Points:22,090
Joined:Jan 2010
Message Posted: Jun 13, 2011 3:06:18 AM

75K miles
Profile Pic
MertieMan
Champion Author Lexington

Posts:14,778
Points:2,893,660
Joined:May 2005
Message Posted: Jun 13, 2011 12:41:18 AM

My wife and I can usually get upwards of 50,000 miles on a front set of disc brakes.
Profile Pic
PusaKuting
Champion Author Ottawa

Posts:3,487
Points:807,115
Joined:Nov 2010
Message Posted: Jun 12, 2011 6:26:37 PM

40,000 to 45,000 K
Profile Pic
DVMC
Champion Author Chicago

Posts:2,348
Points:1,795,995
Joined:Jun 2006
Message Posted: Jun 12, 2011 4:57:46 PM

35,000 - 40,000
Profile Pic
calypso93
Champion Author Scranton

Posts:11,193
Points:1,291,935
Joined:Mar 2004
Message Posted: Jun 12, 2011 3:52:12 PM

The shortest was 11K on the fronts, 1978 Subaru 4WD wagon. The longest is 135K on the rears, 1993 Ranger.
Profile Pic
gvan
Champion Author Chicago

Posts:21,518
Points:2,834,340
Joined:Dec 2004
Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 8:18:55 AM

I had brakes put on my car at 41,000 miles but 98% of the miles are city driving.
Profile Pic
icewaterJG
Veteran Author Indiana

Posts:257
Points:91,855
Joined:May 2011
Message Posted: Jun 9, 2011 11:57:12 AM

the front pads get changed every 40,000 miles and the back about 50,000 miles
Profile Pic
Dennis783
Champion Author Des Moines

Posts:13,584
Points:2,701,935
Joined:Sep 2005
Message Posted: Jun 9, 2011 11:32:35 AM

Its been a long time since I kept a car long enough to worry about brakes
Post a reply Back to Topics