Brake pads bear the brunt of the load when it comes to slowing or stopping your car. Each brake pad has a friction layer that clamps onto the rotor whenever you use your car’s brakes. This friction layer wears down each time you use it until it’s gone altogether, and the pad needs to be replaced. Let’s take a look at how often you should be visiting your Kia dealer for a new brake pad or two.
If you look in your owner’s manual, you’ll find Kia’s recommendation for how frequently to replace the pads in your particular model. This will usually be every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, which is every year or two for most drivers. However, the lifespan of a brake pad really depends on how much you’re using it.
It’s quite possible for a brake pad to wear out in less than a year under extremely heavy usage. Likewise, your pads might last for 80,000 miles if you mostly drive long distances on highways with relatively little braking. Read the following brake-heavy driving conditions and styles to estimate how often you’ll need new pads.
Driving Conditions That Wear Pads Down Faster
The number one killer of braking pads is probably heavy urban stop-and-go traffic. When a driver commutes every day in constant traffic jams, their foot is rarely far from the brake pedal. Steep stretches of road in hilly or mountainous terrain also force drivers to use their brakes a great deal. Lots of sharp turns on winding roads have the same effect.
The weight of your vehicle also influences how much wear and tear your brakes undergo. The heavier your car, the more force needs to be exerted to slow it down and the quicker the pad’s friction layer scrapes away. Because of this, regularly towing trailers or carrying heavy loads on your roof rack or in the bed of your pickup truck will also mean you need to replace your pads more frequently.
Driving Styles That Put More Pressure on Pads
Your personal style of driving also impacts how rapidly your pads wear down. Drivers who like to ride the brakes and use the brake pedal excessively tend to need a bigger budget for new pads.
Have Your Brakes Serviced Often at Your Kia Dealer
When you visit your local dealership for brake service twice a year, the technician can keep an eye on the state of your pads. This is the best way to find out how rapidly your pads are wearing down, and when you can expect to need your next set of new pads.
Have your pads and entire braking system checked today by experienced professionals at Mike Kelly Kia. We offer the region’s drivers terrific vehicles, deals, financing, and customer service, all in one place.
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