How Often Should You Replace Your Kia’s Brake Pads?

Brake pads can last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, but deciding when to replace them within this wide range is a balancing act. Too soon means unnecessary expense, but too late could put you and your car at risk of an accident. We’ve put together some of the things you should consider when determining when to ask your Kia dealer for a replacement.

Ask Your Kia Dealer

Pads absorb the friction created when the calipers squeeze against the rotor to slow the vehicle down. This means that they’ll always wear out eventually and need regular checks, so it pays to make sure that a brake service becomes an unshakeable part of your maintenance routine. 


During this appointment, a specialist will check your rotors, clips, calipers, pads, and shoes to ensure that they’re all in perfect working order, and will recommend any necessary replacements. It’s best to have this check at least once a year, and for added convenience, you can schedule it alongside a routine tire rotation or oil change.

Evaluate Your Driving Habits

The lifetime of your pads depends on how often you use them, so if you’re the sort of driver who relies heavily on your brakes then you’ll need a shorter interval between replacements. If you “ride the brake” or tend to stop the car late and hard, then your pads will become worn more quickly, and you’ll be replacing them closer to the 25,000-mile mark.

This is something that you need to factor into your maintenance routine, but it’s also a good idea to try and change your driving style. Using longer stopping distances and engine braking is safer, better driving practice, and will save wear and tear on your car’s components.

Consider the Driving Conditions

Some journeys are harder on your pads than others, as they require you to brake harder and more often, and may corrode parts of the braking system. These include:

• Heavy traffic
  
  
• Stop-start traffic
  
  
• Steep, hilly roads
  
  
• High temperatures
  
  
• Dusty or gritty roads
  
  

You’ll also have to brake harder if you’re carrying or towing a heavy load with your car. All of these conditions mean that your pad replacements will need to happen sooner rather than later.

Listen to Your Car

If the pads are too worn, your car has a variety of ways to let you know about it. If you notice a screeching, squealing, or low rumbling noise when you brake or feel a change in sensation when you press on the brake pedal, then it could mean that your brakes are dangerously worn and need a checkup right away.

The best way of ensuring that your pads and all other parts of the braking system are in perfect working order is to seek the advice of technicians that you can rely on and trust. That’s why you should schedule service at Crain Kia of Sherwood, where our exceptional customer care and specialist knowledge mean that you’ll get the best advice and solutions. 

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