How long do brake pads last?

Brake pads typically last 25,000-70,000 miles depending on driving style, pad material, and vehicle weight. City driving with frequent stops wears pads much faster than motorway driving. Performance pads may wear faster but provide better stopping power. Most brake pads start at 10-14mm thick.

What is the minimum legal brake pad thickness?

In the UK, there is no specific legal minimum thickness for brake pads (unlike tyres). However, most manufacturers recommend replacing pads when they reach 2-3mm. Many cars have a wear indicator that produces a squealing noise when pads are worn. At an MOT, an examiner will fail a car with excessively worn pads.

How can I make brake pads last longer?

Drive smoothly and anticipate stops. Use engine braking (downshifting) on hills. Avoid riding the brakes. Keep a safe following distance to avoid harsh braking. Remove unnecessary weight from the car. Keep your brake fluid fresh and calipers serviced so they apply pressure evenly.

Should I replace front and rear pads at the same time?

Not necessarily. Front brake pads wear 2-3 times faster than rear pads because the front brakes do 60-70% of the braking. Replace them as needed. However, always replace both pads on the same axle (both fronts or both rears) to ensure even braking. Never replace just one side.

Do I need to replace brake discs when changing pads?

Not always, but check disc thickness and condition. Discs should be above their minimum thickness (stamped on the disc) and free of deep grooves or cracks. If discs are worn or scored, replace them with the pads. New pads on worn discs can lead to poor braking and premature pad wear.

CarCalcs

Brake Pad Life Calculator — Estimate Remaining Life

Estimate how long your brake pads will last based on current thickness, driving style, and mileage.

Current Pad Thickness

New Pad Thickness

Minimum Safe Thickness

Miles Since New Pads

Current Mileage

Annual Mileage

Driving Style

Pad Cost Per Axle

How We Calculate This

How Brake Pad Life Is Estimated

The calculator uses your pad wear history to project remaining life:

Wear rate = (New thickness - Current thickness) / Miles since new pads
Remaining life = (Current thickness - Minimum thickness) / Wear rate
Months remaining = Remaining miles / (Annual mileage / 12)

Driving Style Effect

City driving can halve pad life compared to gentle motorway driving. Hard braking and hilly terrain also increase wear significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.