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Like an oil change, replacing your car’s brake pads is a do-it-yourselfer’s rite of passage. The next scout badge, the hard-earned promotion, the leveling up of a wrencher. But not everyone has an Uncle Tony or crazy cousin Jonathon to help them get to that next step and explain how to replace brake pads...until now.

Brake pads, and brakes in general, are an often overlooked piece of car maintenance. They’re sort of the “Set it and forget it!” of automotive systems. They’re not really a part you regularly check. Yet, your brakes are perhaps the most important part of your car as they ensure your continued survival. Maintaining them, then, should be a top priority and one of the easiest ways to do that is by replacing your brake pads when they start to fade. 

If you’re nervous, don’t fret as The Drive’s crack informational team of Uncle Tony and crazy cousin Jonathon are here to guide you through each and every step of how to replace brake pads. 

Estimated Time Needed: Two to four hours

Brake pads come in three different flavors; non-metallic organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. Each has its own use and longevity. To find out more about brake pad construction and how long brake pads last, click here to read The Drive’s

Working on your car can be dangerous and messy, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to ensure you don’t die, get maimed, or lose a finger and keep your jeans, shirt, and skin spotless—hopefully.

We’re not psychic, nor are we snooping through your toolbox or garage, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to get the job done. 

Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. (You won't need a blowtorch for this job. Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.)

You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking. Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t getting your ride out of the slammer or paying any fines.

The Drive recognizes that while our How-To guides are detailed and easily followed, a rusty bolt, an engine component not in the correct position, or oil leaking everywhere can derail a project. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustAnswer, which connects you to certified mechanics around the globe, to get you through even the toughest jobs. 

So if you have a question or are stuck, click here and talk to a mechanic near you. 

Over the years, The Drive’s editors have replaced the brake pads of everything from a 1991 Plymouth Acclaim to a 1970 Opel GT and even a 2005 Volkswagen Passat W8, along with a handful of others. Here are our pro tips for replacing brake pads.

Your average brake pad is engineered to last about 50,000 miles, though driving styles, use, and environmental factors play factors in their longevity. 

Performance brake pads trade durability for intense driving and repeated abuse, while bargain pads trade durability for affordability. 

Each car, truck, and SUV manufacturer will denote how long your brake pads are good for in your car’s owner’s manual or on its website. Aftermarket brake pads will display their engineering lifespan on the box that the brake pads come in.  

Brake pads range from $30 to $50 but could be much more expensive depending on the car (e.g. a Porsche Taycan won’t have the same brake pads as a Nissan Versa).

Since you may not have access to the right tools, or have a friend you can bum a wrench off of, we also compiled a list of our best hacks to make your life easier and drain your pocket less.

Bosch QuietCast Premium Disc Brake Rotor

Akebono ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set

Wagner QuickStop Ceramic Brake Pad Set

StopTech 309.10780 Street Performance Front Brake Pads

Got a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com

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