How long should brake pads last?

[BMW Christina]

Hi all,

I replaced my pads (private garage, not dealer) just one year ago, but now warning lamp indicates they are bad, and repair person says they need replacing as he casually looked at them.

I drive about 15k milers per year. Does this sound about right for normal wear and tear.

Oh, and Im a girl so i dont drive the car too harsly, just city drivin

Thanks for your input!

Christina

[jakksfor20]

A lot of it depends on what type of pads you had put on and driving conditions. You already mentioned that you do alot of city driving which is good indicator that you will wear down pads quicker than mixed(highway/city) driving. 15k, I feel, is probably not that bad on stock pads. Could it be better? Yes, and a good set of aftermarket pads(Metal Master or similar) will help your mileage.

[peterkulesza]

no free ride here. if pads last longer, rotors wear our faster. but, rotors are just as cheap as pads these days, so it is really up to your preference.

if you really want longevity i'd get hard aftermarker rotors (powerslot or some such), and a ceramic pad.

[BMW Christina]

are powershot and metal master the commercial names of the pads? In other words, If I tell the mechanic these names, he will know what Im looking for?

Obviously, Im a novice here...so thanks a ton for this good advice!

[///M Power]

Yes your mechanic should recognize them. Metalmasters are a type of metallic compound brake pads and powerslot is a brand of aftermarket rotors.

Metalmasters are by PBR Axxis. They are said to produce less dust than stock. I use PBR Axxis Ultimates which are ceramic compounds. These are not considered low dust but are said to be less desistant to brake fading and supposedly last longer. This depends on how hard you push your car. As previously mentioned city driving takes a greater toll on the life of brake pads.

Seeing as you are a novice I doubt you would need anythign more than metalmasters. Pads are cheaper when you order them online. I always order my pads from www.turnermotorsport.com. Ive doen research and their pricign is great and shipping is fine too. Don't worry about changing your rotors, just buy the pads and bring them to your mechanic. Pads are easy to change if you got tools, if not your mechanic shouldnt charge you more than $35 to put in new pads.

Oh, and welcome to Bimmerwerkz.com!