When you notice that your vehicle is not braking properly as you drive, it's vital to get it fixed quickly before you find yourself unable to brake at a critical time. A number of issues can keep your car's brakes from doing their job, including:

• ABS system malfunctioning
• Brake fluid leakage
• Brake rotor warping
• Master cylinder malfunctioning
• Unbalanced brake calipers
• Worn-out brake pads

Any of these problems can reduce your vehicle's ability to brake reliably. If you need to stop quickly to avoid an accident, functional brakes can literally mean the difference between life and death. That's why you should never let problems with your vehicle's brakes degrade to the point where you can't brake at all.

Exactly how often your vehicle will need brake service will vary. Every vehicle’s brakes wear differently depending on driving conditions, brake pad types, driving habits, etc. Generally, we recommend having a brake inspection done every 6,000 miles or every six months (whichever comes first) or if you suspect any brake problems.

Realistically, there is no universal answer to this question. Brake pad manufacturers give a wide range for the average lifespan of the pads—anywhere from 25,000 to 65,000 miles—because driving habits and conditions can greatly influence it.

In general, brake pads often last around 40,000 miles on average. But brake pads can wear down faster when they’re subjected to braking harder from higher speeds, frequent stop-and-go traffic, or braking in hilly environments. These things will often lead to a need for more frequent brake pad replacement. The lifespan of brake pads will also vary depending on whether they are made of metallic, ceramic, or organic material.