When should I replace my brake pads?

Question

I just got my car back from the dealership from having some work done and an oil change and my tires rotated. They gave me the receipt that said that my brakes are 50% worn in the front and 70% worn in the rear. They haven't squeeled or anything but when I first got in my car it sounded like they were grinding a little but then it stopped so I figured it was from where they rotated the tires. Do you think if they are worn 50 and 70% they will last another month? My sister told me the pads are only about $60 or so, is this true?

I'm not sure what variables need to be considered, maybe you could elaborate a little? but, it's a 97 Jetta gls if that helps at all.

Answer 1

The noise you heard at first was likely just dirt knocked loose after pulling the wheels on and off. If you have 50%fr. and 70% rear wear on your brakes I would say yes you should be good for a few more months provided you're not a taxi! You ask how do I know when to change them? unless you can inspect them yourself and know what to look for you should take them to a shop probably after a couple of years driving about 20,000 miles of normal driving and get them checked (as you did). If they get down to about 10 to 20% remaining wear get them changed rather than run the risk of scoring the rotors. New pads vary in price as to quality and where you buy them. It's tough to put a price on them.Call a VW dealer and check the parts dept. asking what the price is for the pads. Now check with other places like Midas, Speedy , Sears or? The dealer is usually the highest by far.

Answer 2

Your brakes will easily last more than a month. Just think how long it took to wear them down that far.
The cost of a brake job depends on the car. Brake pads for a sports car are obviously more expensive than for a regular sedan, etc.
Try to change them before they start squeeling though, because if you drive them for long while squeeling it can damage the rotor which would then need to be resurfaced or replaced along with the pads.

Answer 3

Usually I go by milage. If the rears have 30% life left in them replace the rears...the front with 50% will last for about as long as you drove the first 50% off. definately longer than 1 month. I would get the rear brakes done and wait on the fronts for a while.

Answer 4

Many variables to consider.

Driving habits: Speed, distance, city vs. highway etc.

Vehicle Type: Light weight, heavy etc.

Type of pads being used: Ceramic vs. non Ceramic.

Generally, ceramic pads are better. They are more expensive, but worth it. I'd stick with a well known pad such as pads made by NAPA or straight from the dealer. The cheaper ones crack and fall apart.

Basically, have them inspected every six months to a year. Then determine based on the criteria I provided how often.

A Jetta is a smaller mid -size car. It isn't too heavy compared to an SUV, so the brakes pads shouldn't wear down too fast. Also, you should consider your driving habits. Do you coast to lights or do you slam on your brakes? Coasting allows your brakes to last longer.

Answer 5

take the car some where that does free brakes inspections. but on average about every 30,000 miles and if you replace one axle you really should do the other as well this will save you money in the long run

Answer 6

You will hear a grinding sound when they need to be replaced. I think you're good for like 5 or 6 months. They are very cheap if you do it yourself.

Answer 7

I would get the brakes changed if they are 50% worn. Better safe then in a crash because your brakes suddenly failed.

Answer 8

They should last much longer than one month. I bought a repair manual and replace my own, so I just drive em till they start squealing then replace. Works for me anyway.