Brake pads
Recommended intervalVaries with driving — watch for the wear signs
What it is and why it matters
Brake pads are friction material that wears away every time you stop. Front pads wear faster than rears because the front brakes do most of the work. There’s no fixed mileage — city driving and towing wear pads far faster than highway miles — so you go by condition, not the calendar.
DIY vs. shop
Do it yourself
$30–60 in pads per axle, 1–2 hours, a moderate DIY job with basic tools.
At a shop
$150–300 per axle including labor at most shops.
Costs are rough US ballparks and vary by vehicle, parts, and region.
Good to know
Replace them when you notice any of these:
- A high-pitched squeal that goes away when you brake harder.
- Grinding — metal on metal, which also damages the rotors.
- Longer stopping distances or a softer, lower pedal.
- Vibration through the pedal or wheel when braking.
Front and rear wear independently, so log them separately — a buyer wants to know exactly which corners are recent.
Log it in MyGlovebox.
Snap the receipt (or record your own work) and it lands on your car’s timeline — with a reminder set for next time.