As a BMW owner, you should expect a consistently precise and responsive performance from the brakes each time you press the pedal. The brake pads generate the friction required to stop your car and are key to firm brake force. It’s important to routinely replace worn-out pads with new brake pads at your local BMW dealership. Let’s look at how frequently you’ll need to do so.
How Often Should You Get New Brake Pads for Your BMW?
Brake Pads Last From 25,000 to 65,000 Miles
With some vehicle services, it’s easy to set up a strict schedule for replacements; motor oil should be changed twice a year, for example. However, with brake pads, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of replacement intervals. Brake pads can last anywhere from 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on various factors.
What Type of Brake Pads Are You Using?
The first step is to find out which material your pads are made from. In diminishing order of toughness, BMW pads can be ceramic, fully metallic, semi-metallic, or constructed from an organic compound. If you’re unsure which type of pad you’re currently using, ask a trusted technician to figure it out and calculate how the material might influence each pad’s lifespan.
How Much Strain Do You Put on Your Brakes?
A more significant factor is how much you use your brakes. Drivers who primarily drive along open highways, avoiding heavy traffic, will generally have longer-lasting brake pads. Conversely, if you spend several hours each week navigating stop-and-go traffic, your brake pads are undergoing far more wear and tear. Likewise, steep mountainous roads, carrying heavy loads, or towing trailers can also put excessive strain on the brakes and shorten brake pad longevity.
Key Warning Signs of Worn-Out Brake Pads
When it comes to brake pad lifespan, the key is to keep an eye on them and understand the signs of a worn-out pad. You can visually check your pads by looking between the wheel spokes; pay attention to how thick the pad’s upper friction layer is.
If you ever hear squealing while braking, one of your pads might be trying to tell you it’s time for a replacement. Grinding sounds or extended stopping distances are more urgent indicators that a pad needs to go.
Your BMW Dealership Can Inspect or Change Your Pads
All safety-conscious drivers should have their brakes inspected at least twice a year. During their inspections, our technicians will check the brake fluid and brake lines and also remove the calipers, rotors, and brake pads. They can then closely examine each pad and let you know how much longer it’s likely to last.
Visit Tom Bush BMW Orange Park in Jacksonville, FL, today to have your brake pads examined by experienced professionals. We’re a local award-winning dealership dedicated to providing high-end customer care that’s worthy of the prestigious BMW brand.
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