How often do cars need new brakes?

Question

How often do cars need new brakes? My car has 50,000 on it (2006 Focus), the vast majority of which are highway miles. I have not had any problems with the brakes (shimmy upon braking, any noises, etc.) but the dealership told me I needed new front brakes pads and rotors and new rear pads (back rotors were fine). Wouldn't I have noticed something if the brakes were going?

Answer 1

Well if the Ford dealership told you need new brakes, consider going to a mechanic you trust and getting him to look at the brake as well. Compare notes and then make a informed decision. As far as, how often cars need new brakes... well that depends several different things. How often do you have to apply your brakes? Do you ride your brakes when coming to a stop? What speed are regularly you coming to a stop from? It also depends on what type of driver you are as well (Aggressive, Passive, etc.). Also, some cars when produced during certain years, the brakes tended to wear faster than normal. Back to your car though, get your brakes fixed as soon as possible; particularly the rear pads because once they wear down enough then you need to replace the rotors as well. Pads are are not that expensive, but rotors are what will cost you the most; not to mention the labor. Check this link out... http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.c... it may answer your question as far as brake wear on your car. Once you find your particular make and model go under reliability.

Answer 2

Every 30,000 miles on average but it varies of course on driving conditions. You went further due to the extensive highway miles.

many cars today requir rotors at the same time as brakes because the pads and rotors wear together.

Answer 3

You wont notice general wear on brake pads. Most people only know the brakes are shot when they hear grinding noise when using the brakes. 50,000 miles sounds about right for for what you got quoted. You should check your brakes every 3 months just to see how they are wearing.

Answer 4

if the rotors were bad, you should get a shimmy when you apply the brakes and if the pads were down too far you should hear the squeeler.

Answer 5

first of where did you get a focus with 4 wheel disc brakes.i have a ZX-4 and looked for one with disc all the way around.but yes that is the average (50-70000) miles.

Answer 6

Your in the ballpark to check and possibly replace them, Driving habits and in town or highway will make a big difference. I have a 2001 Gmc Sierra with 93000 miles and has the original brakes on it with about 1/2 the pads left as I checked the other day while rotating the tires etc. You may have not noticed any problems yet but your brakes may be almost worn out.......ujn