How long can you drive with worn brake pads? (2023)

What happens if you drive with worn brake pads?

You can damage the brake rotors and calipers.

When you brake, the brake pads squeeze the rotor to stop your car. However, when the pads are excessively worn, exposed metal on the pads grinds against the rotors every time you brake, producing a grinding noise and likely damaging the rotors.

On average, brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while rotors typically should be changed anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles.

This isn't advisable for two reasons: It is not Safe. Driving on Grinding Brakes will only make the issue Worse and increase the Cost of Repair. The Grinding Noise your Brakes are making is the lack of Pad Material in the Brakes. The Rotors and Pads become Metal to Metal.

If allowed to wear out before being replaced, other components of the brake system may be damaged – especially the brake discs or drums. In addition to often costly repairs, driving with worn brake pads or shoes can result in unsafe driving conditions.

The answer is no. Driving around with bad brakes puts you and other drivers at risk of severe accidents or injury. Sure, your brakes may be operating somewhat at the moment, but they will eventually fail, leaving you with few choices for stopping.

When the pads and shoes wear down, it can result in a metallic grinding noise, as the backing plate starts making contact with the rotor or drum. Brake pads also have a metal wear indicator that drags on the rotors when the pads are worn out. This will make a grinding or squealing noise.

You should check your brake pads every 6 months or every 15,000 miles. Most brake pads will wear out in about 25,000 to 65,000 miles, however, the wear and tear on your brake pads depends on a wide variety of factors including your driving style, what surfaces you're driving on, and the weight of your vehicle.

Brake squeaking might result from vibration, cheap replacement pads, or components at the end of their service life. Fixing your squeaky brakes can be as simple as applying some grease to specific contact points on the calipers, installing shims, or having them replaced by a mechanic.

If your brake pads are excessively worn, the metal backing on them can become exposed, allowing the rotors and metal to grind against each other when you brake. Not only does this cause an unpleasant sound, but it can also damage your rotor, reduce your brakes' responsiveness, and lead to brake failure.

Why does it sound like metal scraping when I drive?

The brakes in your car making a scraping noise may be a sign that your brake pads may be wearing low. Once the rubber material has worn, its exposed metal will wear against the metal of the rotor to make a scraping noise. Your pads must be replaced to avoid more extensive damage.

If you hear grinding noises when stopping or slowing down, your brake pads are most likely the issue. Remember, over time your brake pads lose their thickness and begin to make squealing noises known as “brake scrubbing.” As your pads wear down further, you'll hear a grinding noise instead.

Deep grooves that have developed in a worn rotor will act as a hole-puncher or shredder and damage the pad material as it is pressed against the rotor. Be sure to replace the rotors when changing the brake pads.

What's the average cost to replace brake pads? The average cost of parts is between $35 and $150. The average cost of labor is between $80 and $120 per axle. The average brake pad replacement total is between $115 and $300 per axle (parts + labor).

Replacing brake pads only

If your rotors aren't worn or damaged when you go in for brake service, you can probably get away with changing just the brake pads.

CARS.COM — If your car's brakes are squeaking, squealing or making ominous grinding noises when you apply the pedal, you might need new brake pads or rotors. Ditto if the brake pedal has more travel than usual before you feel much braking force, or if it just feels like your car requires longer distances to stop.

Unfortunately, brakes wear out and, on occasion, they can stop working properly. If you ever find yourself in this situation, follow these tips to protect yourself. The most important thing to do in any emergency situation is to keep calm. Take a deep breath and try to rein in any panic you may be feeling.

Most car brakes will last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles–between three and six years for most daily drivers–but some sets may last even longer for those who exercise good habits.

Why do front brakes wear out faster?

Usually, it's the front ones that wear faster, NAPA explains. That's because braking shifts the car's weight forward, which means the front rotors need to be stronger, NAPA explains. But there is a reason why rear brake pads can wear faster than expected: traction control and electronic stability control.

When moisture sets in on your brakes, a thin layer of rust can easily build up on the rotors. This can cause a grinding or squealing sound when you apply your brakes. Fortunately, the rust buildup can usually be remedied with normal driving.

Depending on the situation, a little brake squeak might be no cause for concern. Brakes can squeak when they're hot, or when there's a bit of snow or ice buildup. The truth is, some brake noises are temporary, particularly in the winter. Follow along as we fight common brake noise myths with facts!

As mentioned above, ceramic or metallic pads or moisture can cause pads to squeak. This type of squeaking is usually harmless, says Popular Mechanics. But new brake pads can also squeak because of a foreign object, explains Bockman's Auto Care. Twigs, pinecones or rocks may get stuck between the brake pad and rotor.

Early on, it might sound like something is rubbing when you let off the brake pedal. Ignore that and you will eventually hear a metallic grinding, scraping, or rubbing sound that indicates metal-on-metal contact in your brake system. A less-common occurrence is the sound of a “clunk” when you hit the brake pedal.

Most shops will do this for $50 or less, or sometimes even free if you're getting other brake work done. It's more likely aging brake pads or rotors, though, and these repairs get more expensive. Changing all four brake pads will usually cost anywhere between $150 to $350.

If you notice your brakes are grinding while slowing down, it's probably due to a lack of thickness in your brake pads. Your brake pads must be thick enough to provide adequate performance and halting power. Over time as you use your brake pads, they will eventually wear out.

There are a few different reasons why your brakes may still be grinding after you've replaced the pads or rotors: It could be as simple as the brake pads need time to settle in. They're a bit stiff at first and can make noises like grinding or squealing for a little while before they get comfortably worn in.

You might notice a grinding noise when driving at low speeds. The most common causes are problems with your continual velocity joints, brake pads, wheel bearings or alternator. Examining each one of these parts can help you pinpoint exactly where the issue is.

Why is my car screeching while driving?

The most common reason your vehicle may make a squeaking noise when driving is due to worn brake pads. Brake pads will indicate its time for their replacement by emitting a high-pitched squeak when you brake as a gentle reminder that it's time to have your brakes checked.

Noises When the Vehicle Brakes

Warped rotors can cause a squeaking noise when the brakes are applied. They can also make a scraping or grinding sound when they're warped and worn down. The squealing noise, however, can also be made by brake pads that are worn out.

If your brake warning light comes on but your brakes feel normal, and brake fluid levels are normal - you can continue driving to a repair centre.

Replacing brake pads only

If your rotors aren't worn or damaged when you go in for brake service, you can probably get away with changing just the brake pads.