How much does it cost to replace brake pads?
If your car needs its brake pads replaced, you can expect parts for all four wheels to cost about $35 to $150 and labor to cost about $160 to $240, according to AutoZone. That’s a total of around $195 and $390.
How do brakes work?
Most modern cars use disc brakes. Some have disc brakes on all four wheels; others use disc brakes in the front and drum brakes (which are cheaper to produce) in the rear.
With disc brakes, stepping on the brake pedal forces brake fluid through the brake lines to each wheel. Then a caliper squeezes the brake pads against a metal disc called a rotor that’s connected to the wheel. The friction slows and stops the wheel.
Drum brakes work a little differently. Instead of rotors, they have metal bowls (called brake drums) that rotate along with the wheel. And instead of calipers and brake pads, components called brake shoes press against the inside rim of the drum to slow or stop the rotation of the wheel.
How often do I need to replace my brake pads?
It’s generally a good idea to have your brakes and brake pads inspected every 5 months or 5,000 miles, but your owner’s manual may have specific recommendations. Decent brake pads should last 30,000 to 70,000 miles.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should definitely get your brakes checked out.
- A screeching or grinding sound: Most new brake pads have a wear indicator. Once that indicator is exposed, it drags against the rotor and makes a terrible noise.
- Vibrations when braking: Vibration could indicate that all of a brake pad’s friction material is gone, and the metal backing on the brake pads is rubbing directly against the metal of the rotor.
- Brake warning light: This could indicate low brake fluid or that your brake pads need replacing.
What are the different types of brake pads?
Semi-metallic brake pads are the most common. They contain a mix of metal fibers, like steel or copper, and filler materials.
Ceramic brake pads are made of ceramic fibers and filler materials. They typically last longer than other types of brake pads, but they do cost more.
Organic brake pads, or non-asbestos brake pads, can be made of materials such as rubber and glass. They wear down more quickly than other types, and they’re not recommended for heavy-duty usage.
Can I replace brake pads myself?
With a little mechanical know-how and the right tools, such as wrenches and a jack stand, you should be able to replace brake pads yourself. Doing so could save you hundreds of dollars.
Deirdra Funcheon is a journalist with a master\\\’s degree from Boston University and more than 20 years of experience covering a broad range of topics. She has worked at Univision (on the investigative team at Fusion), Axios (where she covered Miami-area news) and Bisnow (covering the commercial real estate industry). At Jerry, she aims to empower drivers with knowledge about how their vehicles work and how best to handle repairs, insurance and other complications of car ownership.
Alice Holbrook is an editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, including car insurance. She\’s passionate about creating easy-to-understand content that demystifies intimidating topics for readers. Previously, she worked for NerdWallet, and her work has been featured by Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Associated Press, among others.
