How Often Should I Change My Brake Pads?

January 3, 2025

Your vehicle's brake pads are one of the most critical components for your safety on the road, yet knowing when to change them can be tricky. So, how often should you change your brake pads? The answer depends on several factors like your driving habits, the type of vehicle, and even the quality of the brake pads themselves.

General Guidelines for Brake Pad Replacement

On average, most brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on their wear. However, it's essential to listen to your vehicle—literally! Squeaking or grinding noises when you brake are often tell-tale signs that your pads are worn out and need immediate attention.

At Wayside Garage, we recommend having your brakes inspected every time you bring your vehicle in for service. Regular brake checks help catch potential issues early, saving you money in the long run and ensuring your car is always road-ready. As part of our Comprehensive Inspection during routine maintenance, we check your brake pads and fluid to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Driving Habits That Affect Brake Wear

The lifespan of your brake pads depends heavily on your driving style. Do you tend to brake hard and frequently, or are you more of a smooth, gradual stopper? Drivers who often navigate city traffic, with lots of stop-and-go, will likely need brake pad replacements more frequently than those who drive mainly on highways.

In addition, mountainous terrain can wear out brakes faster due to the increased braking needed for steep descents. For drivers in hilly areas, we recommend more frequent brake inspections.

Why October is the Best Time for Brake Service

October is Brakes for Breasts month, and Wayside Garage is participating by offering a free set of brake pads with every brake service! This is the perfect opportunity to get your brakes inspected and serviced, all while supporting a great cause. Plus, our certified technicians will ensure everything from the brake pads to the brake fluid is in tip-top shape, keeping you safe on the road.

How to Know When Your Brake Pads Need Replacement

Here are some warning signs that you might need new brake pads:

Squeaking or squealing sounds when applying the brakes
A grinding noise, which often indicates the pads are completely worn
The brake pedal feels soft or spongy
Your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual
You notice a vibration when braking

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to schedule a brake inspection. Don’t wait until your brakes fail—you'll save money and avoid accidents by being proactive.

What Happens If You Delay Replacing Your Brake Pads?

Driving on worn brake pads doesn’t just compromise your safety—it can lead to more expensive repairs. When brake pads wear down too much, they can damage the brake rotors, increasing your repair costs significantly. Routine inspections and timely replacements are much cheaper than repairing or replacing an entire braking system.

How to Schedule Your Brake Service

With October’s special offer, now is the ideal time to take advantage of our free brake pads and get a full brake service. At Wayside Garage, our team will thoroughly inspect your braking system to ensure you’re safe and secure on the road.

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ARE MY BRAKES SAFE?

By Stacey Diaz • October 14, 2025

October is more than just pumpkin patches and crisp fall air. For many families in Monterey, it's also the start of darker evenings, wetter roads, and more time on the road. That’s why October is the perfect time to think about one of the most important safety features on your vehicle: your brakes. At Wayside Garage, we participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign every October. It's not just about brake repair — it’s about raising awareness, supporting breast cancer research, and keeping our community safe on the roads. ________________________________________ What Are the Signs Your Brakes Might Need Attention? Your brakes are your first line of defense in an emergency. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your brakes checked: • Squealing or grinding noises • A soft or “spongy” brake pedal • Car pulling to one side when braking • Vibration or shaking when you press the brakes • Increased stopping distance Ignoring these signs can lead to expensive repairs down the road — or worse, a serious accident. We always say: if it feels off, bring it in. ________________________________________ Why Brake Inspections Matter More in Fall With more rain, shorter days, and holiday travel ahead, your brakes are under more stress in the fall. At Wayside Garage, we see an uptick in emergency brake repairs this time of year — many of which could have been avoided with a quick inspection. Our certified technicians will perform a comprehensive brake check, looking at: • Brake pads and rotors • Brake fluid level and condition • Brake lines and hoses • Calipers and hardware And if you’re part of our Wayside Garage Maintenance Plan, your brake inspections are included with your scheduled services. That’s one more reason to stay on track with routine care. ________________________________________ Brakes for Breasts: Repair With a Purpose Every October, we join auto shops nationwide for the Brakes for Breasts campaign. Here’s how it works at Wayside Garage: • You get free brake pads (you only pay for labor and any additional parts if needed). • We donate 10% of the brake job to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. It’s a meaningful way to protect your family on the road while supporting groundbreaking research that could change lives. ________________________________________ Why Choose Wayside Garage for Brake Service? We know you have options when it comes to brake repair in Monterey. So why do so many drivers trust us? • Family-owned and operated since 1946 • ASE-certified technicians who care about doing it right • Honest inspections and clear explanations • Free digital vehicle health reports • A shop built on integrity, hospitality, and professionalism When you bring your vehicle to us, you're not just another ticket — you're part of the Wayside Garage family. ________________________________________ Schedule Your Brake Inspection Today October is the best time to have your brakes checked — and support a great cause while you're at it. Whether you’re noticing a problem or just want peace of mind before the holidays, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Let's keep your vehicle — and your community — safe this fall.