How Often Should You Replace Your Chrysler’s Brake Pads?

Brake pads wear down faster than any other component of your car’s braking system. The rate of pad wear depends largely on how much use you put your brakes through. When you have regular brake servicing at your local Chrysler dealership, it’s a good idea to ask the technician about the condition of your pads; this is the best way to know how frequently you’ll need to have them replaced.

Pads Usually Last From 25,000 to 65,000 Miles

Braking pads can last anywhere from 25,000 to 65,000 miles. This large variation is due to differing driving styles and conditions. After you’ve replaced your car’s pads a few times, you’ll have a good idea of how much strain you’re typically putting on your brakes. 

Driving Habits That Wear Pads Down Faster

Drivers who depend solely on their brakes to slow their vehicles tend to work through new pads more frequently. Taking your foot off the gas to slow your car in advance of traffic lights can take pressure away from your brakes, as can switching to lower gears on downhill stretches of road. 

Leaving more space between you and the vehicle ahead reduces the need for sudden braking. All these driving habits can take the pressure off your pads and help them last longer. 

Driving Conditions That Put Excess Strain on Pads

Anything that adds extra weight to your vehicle, such as towing trailers or carrying heavy loads, gives your brakes and pads more work to do. Commuting in heavy stop-and-go traffic also means your foot is busier on the brake pedal every day. 

Some types of roads also require more frequent braking, such as steep mountainous roads or winding hilly streets. Consider if you’re driving frequently in any of these brake-heavy conditions.

Know When To Visit Your Chrysler Dealership for New Pads

You can visually inspect your pads and compare the thickness of the friction layer to the minimum recommended thickness in your vehicle owner’s manual. Once you see that a pad is wearing too thin, have it replaced at your local dealership.

Modern vehicles also have various automatic ways to let you know when it’s time for new pads. You may see a light come to life on your dashboard or hear a high-pitched squealing sound when you press the brake pedal. This sound emits from a small metal tab that’s uncovered once a pad’s friction layer is almost worn out. 

Never Let Your Pads Wear Away Completely 

If you leave it too long before replacing a pad, you’ll eventually hear a metallic grinding sound created by the pad’s frame scraping directly on the rotor disc. This means the pad is now causing damage to the rotor, so consider grinding sounds to be a far more urgent warning sign that it’s time for replacements.  Have your brakes and pads examined or replaced today at Oxendale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We’re an award-winning local dealership committed to customer service excellence in all that we do. 

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