If you find yourself needing to replace your brake pads a lot more frequently than people you know, you might need to reassess some aspects of your driving. It will help you in the long run and cut your costs significantly.

What kind of brake pads do you have?

Firstly, it’s key to remember that the type of brake pads you initially buy will affect the length they will last for. Opting for the cheapest option won’t save you money in the long run, so always make sure you check quality before buying.

• Organic car brake pads are the cheapest and generally don’t last very long
• Low metallic brake pads can be noisy but they have a slightly longer life expectancy than organic car brake pads.
• Semi-metallic brake pads have a long life expectancy
• Ceramic brake pads last longer than the other materials and they are much more resistant to wear.

Where do you drive?
If you drive majoritively on the motorway, then you may find your brake pads last longer. So a reason you’re brake pads need changing more often could be down to inner city/ urban driving and because of those shorter journeys you are frequently making.

This is because you are using your brakes much more when you’re stopping at junctions, roundabouts and traffic later. On a motorway you generally don’t need to use your brakes as much.

How many passengers do you drive with?
Driving with more people in the car means that your car is harder and heavier to stop. This puts more strain on your brakes and the pressure builds up much more easily on them.

Do you do a lot of miles?
By driving further, you use your brakes more and you’ll be wearing them down quickly – simple.