Q: Need advice on changing brake pads and rotors

asked by on May 12, 2016

My car has about 55,000 miles. I am not sure what the quality of my brake pads are right now, or if they have ever been replaced. The car brakes just fine right now and has no issues, but I am anticipating needing to change the brake pads soon. What kind of pads would you recommend? Should I also change the rotors, and if so, what kind should I use? If I don't need to change anything out yet, how will I know when it's time to do so?

Brake Pads Replacement $150.17 - $479.65 Get a Quote
Brake Rotor/Disc Replacement $258.18 - $1079.18 Get a Quote

Your vehicle is equipped with brake pad wear sensors, which should illuminate a message on the dash when your pads are worn and due for replacement. However, it’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected by a professional to be certain. The OEM pads for your vehicle are semi-metallic, so you could go with those or upgrade to ceramic pads. Typically, ceramic pads make less noise and produce less brake dust. You’ll want to either machine or replace your rotors when you replace your pads. A professional technician will measure your rotors and determine if they are still thick enough to be machined. If you do need to replace your rotors, any rotor that meets OEM specifications will do.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

My car takes forever to start
The charging system consists of a battery, starter and alternator. The battery supplies power to the starter, turning the engine over. Once the engine is running, the alternator keeps the battery charged. A dying battery can be due to age...
Blows smoke tailpipe startup
Hello there, thank for writing in about your 2005 GMC Canyon. This is a common problem as vehicles age and go up in mileage. The fault determines what color the smoke is and how it looks. If the smoke is...
Can running the blowers for the AC with the engine off drain the battery?
The problem is although the current draw over 45 minutes might be "low", your battery might be weak, meaning it could have a bad cell and a low reserve capacity. It doesn't take much to "drain" a weak battery. A...
My car is overheating. The engine fan does not work unless the air conditioner is running.
Many vehicles have two separate fans. 1 fan is used for the engines radiator. The other thing is used only when the air conditioning is running. The fact that a fan kicks on when the air conditioning is running as...
Why does it only go 20 to 30 mph?
Hi there, thanks for writing in. First off, take your Nissan to a different mechanic. Yes; changing the motor would fix the issue, but if they are guessing that the timing chain is the reason why you're consuming as much...
Where is the location of the cabin air filter on a 2002 F-250 P/U, 2-wheel drive, Diesel 7.3?
For some reason Ford used three different evaporator case designs in the trucks this year. The filter will be in one of these three locations. Look behind the glove box and there is a cover on case and filter is...
black smoke and loss of power
Hi there: Unfortunately we don't see a lot of diesel powered Hyundai Vera Cruz vehicles here in the United States. However, on several six cylinder turbo diesel engines, a fault with the glow plugs can trigger the symptoms you're experiencing....
AWD malfunction message on dashboard 2005 Ford Five Hundred
Hello - there are 2 fairly common causes of the AWD (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/5-essential-things-to-know-about-all-wheel-drive-awd) warning light: the temperature/pressure sensor in the rear differential, or the oil pump in the rear differential are malfunctioning. I would recommend an inspection of the rear differential...
My 2010 Chevy Impala won't shift into any gear
Hello there. Usually when your car will not shift into any gear, it's caused by a damaged shift solenoid or speed sensor. It's also possible that an obstruction of debris exists inside the transmission hydraulic lines. To correctly diagnose this...

Related articles

A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK
If If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, it’s tough to think of a better option than the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK. In case the car manufacturer’s name doesn’t carry enough weight to convince you, consider some of the...
2012 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Dodge Charger: Which One Should I Buy?
Technically these two vehicles have wildly different classifications: compact for the Ford Mustang and large car for the Dodge Charger. However, who would consider either one anything other than a muscle car? These cars are meant for speed, fun, and...
What To Do If Your Car Is Skidding
Driving Driving on wet or icy roads can easily lead to dangerous situations when you're behind the wheel. One of the most common of these situations is skidding. While this can be scary to deal with on its own, understanding...