What affects brake pad lifespan?

The average service life of car brake pads is typically 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers for front brake pads and 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers for rear brake pads. However, the actual replacement interval should be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle models. As front brake pads bear the primary braking force, their wear rate is generally over 50% higher than that of rear brake pads. Frequent stop-and-go driving in urban areas or operating under heavy loads can significantly reduce their lifespan to 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. It is recommended to inspect brake pad thickness every 5,000 kilometers. Immediate replacement is required when the remaining thickness falls below 5 millimeters or when abnormalities such as metallic grinding noises or increased stopping distance occur. Vehicles with automatic transmissions, being more dependent on the braking system, typically experience 20%-30% faster brake pad wear compared to manual transmission vehicles. Certain models feature wear indicator systems; when the brake warning light illuminates on the dashboard, prompt servicing is necessary. For replacements, only use brake pads meeting original equipment manufacturer specifications, followed by a 200-kilometer break-in period to achieve optimal braking performance. Regular brake system maintenance can prolong brake disc service life and prevent higher repair costs resulting from disc damage caused by excessively worn brake pads.

The replacement interval for brake pads should be determined based on driving habits, vehicle model, and actual wear conditions. Typically, front brake pads are recommended for inspection and replacement every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. New brake pads are approximately 1.5 cm thick and require immediate replacement when worn down to 0.3 cm or when the wear indicator grooves become flush. Some vehicles feature wear sensors that trigger a dashboard warning light when replacement is needed. Brake pads wear faster on vehicles driven aggressively, frequently in urban traffic, or regularly on mountainous roads, potentially requiring replacement as early as 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. Preliminary wear assessment can be done by checking wheel rims (replace when only 5 mm remains) or listening for metallic scraping sounds from wear indicators. However, the most accurate method involves tire removal for direct measurement. For replacements, use OEM or equivalent quality parts and always replace pads in axle pairs to maintain braking balance. Avoid hard braking during the break-in period, and allow approximately 200 kilometers of driving for optimal performance after installation. Regular inspection of pad wear and caliper function every 5,000 kilometers helps extend brake system lifespan and ensures driving safety.

The cost of brake pad replacement typically ranges from RM150 to RM600, with the exact price depending on the vehicle model, brake pad material, and whether original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are chosen. For economy cars, the cost of front brake pad replacement is approximately RM150 to RM300, while for luxury models it may reach RM400 to RM600. Rear brake pads, due to slower wear and lower replacement frequency, usually cost 20% to 30% less than front ones. Semi-metallic brake pads are moderately priced and durable; ceramic brake pads offer better quietness but are more expensive; and asbestos-free organic materials are an economical option. It is recommended to check the thickness of front brake pads every 30,000 kilometers (replacement is needed if the thickness is below 5 millimeters), while rear brake pads can be checked at an extended interval of 60,000 kilometers. Immediate replacement is required if a metal scraping sound is heard or a warning symbol appears on the dashboard. Notably, automatic transmission vehicles and frequent urban driving can accelerate brake pad wear, and heavy-duty vehicles need to shorten the inspection interval to 20,000 kilometers. When replacing, priority should be given to OEM-certified parts to ensure braking performance. New brake pads require a break-in period of 200 kilometers to achieve optimal effectiveness. If the brake fluid level is too high after replacement, the brake pedal needs to be pressed multiple times to reset it.

The relatively high cost of brake pad replacement is mainly influenced by three factors: material performance, brand premium, and service channels. High-quality brake pads typically use ceramic or composite materials, which feature high-temperature resistance and low-noise characteristics. Their raw material costs are 20%-50% higher than ordinary metal pads. For example, the procurement price of front brake pads from well-known brands like Bosch ranges approximately between 100-200 Malaysian Ringgit, and after markup by 4S dealerships, it can reach 400-500 Malaysian Ringgit. There are significant variations in service channels. Due to the use of genuine parts and standardized services, the total cost at 4S dealerships is 30%-40% higher than that of independent repair shops. For instance, replacing brake pads for luxury vehicles at 4S dealerships may cost 1,000-3,000 Malaysian Ringgit, while repair shops using equivalent branded components only require 600-800 Malaysian Ringgit. Additionally, the labor cost differential ranges between 50-150 Malaysian Ringgit. However, it should be noted that unofficial channels may use substandard pads (costing merely 20-30 Malaysian Ringgit), which carry the risk of damaging brake rotors. It is advisable to prioritize professional branded components such as ATE and Ferodo, and verify the repair shop's credentials to ensure the friction coefficient is compatible with the vehicle model. Ultimately, the braking system is directly linked to driving safety.

Whether it is worth buying high-priced brake pads requires a comprehensive consideration of performance needs, vehicle model compatibility, and long-term usage costs. Brake pads from high-end brands such as Bosch, Brembo, or REMSA are made of high-quality metal or ceramic composite materials, with a stable friction coefficient (e.g., above 0.42), high temperature resistance up to 650°C, and better environmental performance. They are suitable for frequent braking or high-performance vehicles, significantly reducing braking distance and minimizing brake disc wear. Taking the Mazda MX-5 as an example, the replacement cost for original ADVICS brake pads is approximately RM1000, whereas REMSA graphite pads, though more expensive per unit (around RM300-RM500), offer extended longevity and competition-grade performance that enhances driving safety. Mid-to-low-priced brake pads (such as Shimano MT200 components priced at RM50-RM200) are cost-effective, but their harder material composition may lead to noise issues or premature brake disc replacement, ultimately increasing long-term costs. Selection should be based on driving habits: semi-metallic pads (around RM100-RM200) suffice for urban commuting, while ceramic/graphite pads are recommended for high-speed or mountainous driving. During replacement, simultaneous inspection of brake fluid and disc surface condition is essential to avoid compromising safety for minor savings.