Most drivers wouldn’t question the importance of functioning brakes in road safety. If you’ve noticed that braking takes longer than it used to or there are strange noises and vibrations coming from your vehicle, these may be clear warning signs that it is time for a brake disc and pad replacement.
How often do brake discs need replacing?
The general recommendation is to change your brake discs every 50,000 to 70,000 miles, although some discs will last longer than others as a result of the component’s quality, the driving conditions, and your driving style, among other factors. Front and rear brake pads, on the other hand, don’t tend to last as long and may need to be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles.
Symptoms such as squealing or grinding noises when braking, a pulsating or vibrating brake pedal, or pulling to the left or right when driving could indicate that it is time to replace the brake discs or pads. If your car has discs on both axles, it is not always necessary to get new rear and front brake discs for your car at the same time. However, you should always replace both components on the same axle as the discs work in pairs and tend to show the same level of wear.
Nowadays, these brake components are designed to withstand extreme heat and conditions for longer, but they are not immune to overheating, scoring and wear. Overheating is one of the top causes of premature wear. For more information on this, check out this article: Brake disc overheating: symptoms, causes, solutions
How much does a brake disc replacement cost?
In the UK, you’ll usually be looking to pay around £80 or more for a set of front or rear brake discs. If you get a brake disc replacement at a garage, they will often change the pads at the same time, which will increase the costs. Prices for new brakes typically start at around £130-140 including labour costs. Garage prices may vary depending on the area. Other factors affecting the cost of replacing brake discs include the make and model, the year of manufacture, and the size and class of the vehicle.
With the right tools and skills, you may be able to save money by installing new brakes yourself. For tasks like this, you can find a wide range of detailed maintenance tutorials for specific models online. If you’re looking for highly rated and reliable parts at bargain prices, we recommend taking a look at the Brembo brake disc catalogue.
And finally, you can extend the service life of your brakes by following a few simple tips. Firstly avoid hard braking or braking at high speeds, and pay attention to the speed limit. The faster you are travelling, the more effort it takes to slow the car down, putting greater stress on the braking system components. Coasting to reduce your speed in certain situations, such as slowing down for traffic lights, can help to minimise wear. Secondly, avoid overloading the vehicle or carrying unnecessary weight around with you.
