How do I know when to replace brake pads and brake rotors?

Brake pads are the friction material that presses against the rotor to slow your car. When you push the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the caliper to clamp the pads against the spinning rotor. They are consumables products, which will wear down over time as long as we are driving the vehicles and using the brakes.

Brake rotors (also called discs) are the shiny metal discs attached to each wheel. The pads squeeze them to create friction. Rotors wear down more slowly than pads.

Most modern cars use disc brakes on the front wheels, and many use them on the rear as well. Front brakes do roughly 70% of the braking work, so they wear out faster than rear brakes

When we take our cars for regular services, inspecting braking systems is one of the most important tasks that mechanics need to perform. If necessary, mechanics will advise their customers to replace the brake pads or brake rotors so to ensure driving safety.

Signs Your Brake Pads Need Replacing

Brake pads give you plenty of warning before they fail completely. Here's what to watch for:

1. Squealing or Screeching Noises

2. Grinding or Metal-on-Metal Contact

3. Vibrating or Pulsing Brake Pedal

4. Longer Stopping Distances, especially on rainy days or slippery roads.

5. Visual Check: Thin Pads (usually performed by qualifier mechanics) （See image 1）

Image 1: There is a significant difference in thickness between the worn brake pad and the new brake pad. Severely worn brake pads can damage the brake disc (rotor) when the metal backing plate comes into contact with its surface.

Signs Your Brake Rotors Need Replacing

Rotors last longer than pads, but they don't last forever. Here's when to replace them:

1. Deep Grooves on brake rotors （see Image 2）

Image 2: A brake disc (rotor) showing pronounced scoring and grooves on its surface

2. Visible Cracks (see image 3) 

Image 3: A drilled brake disc (rotor) showing multiple cracks extending from the drilled holes. This type of cracking can result from repeated heating and cooling during braking.

3. Rotor Below Minimum Thickness

4. Pulsating Brake Pedal

6. Heavy Rust (see image 4)

Image 4: A brake disc (rotor) showing extensive surface rust. Rust can develop after exposure to moisture, particularly when a vehicle is left unused for an extended period.

How Long Do Brake Pads and Rotors Last?

There's no single answer. It depends on your driving habits, vehicle weight, and road conditions. Typically brake pad lifespan can range from 20,000km to 50,000km, front rotor lifespan can range from 30,000km to 100,000km, rear rotor often lasts longer than front rotor.

The following factors can shorten brake life:

• Driving habits: Frequent stop-and-go city driving and frequent braking, particularly by inexperienced drivers, can accelerate brake pad wear.
• Vehicle weight: Heavier vehicles place greater demands on the brakes. Some mechanics have reported that SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC may require brake pad replacement after around 30,000 km, even when fitted with genuine brake pads and rotors. However, actual brake pad life varies depending on driving habits and operating conditions.
• Road conditions: mountain driving or towing can consume brake pads more quickly than every day highway driving.

How to choose brake pad and rotor products?

There are a large number of brake pads and rotors on the online market. Genuine brake pad and rotors tend to be the most expensive options but they can guarantee correct fitment and performance. When it comes to aftermarket brake pads and rotors, cheap budget options more likely have less lifespan and require more frequent replacement. 

We have spoken with several mechanics who have experience fitting different brands of brake pads and rotors. Some reported that certain lower cost products lasted only around six months under normal everyday driving conditions. Although these products may cost less initially, repeated replacement and labour charges can make them more expensive over time.

We only source brake pads and rotors from suppliers and manufacturers with OEM standards, undergoing strict testing. (see Image 5)

Image 5: Brake testing equipment and monitoring systems used to evaluate braking performance under controlled conditions.

The Bottom Line

Your brakes are not a "wait and see" component. Squealing, grinding, pulsing, and visual wear are all clear signals that it's time for service. By inspecting your brakes regularly and acting on the warning signs early, you'll keep your stopping distance short, your repair bills low, and your family safe. When in doubt, get a professional brake inspection.