How Often Should Maryland Drivers Get New Brake Pads?

April 28, 2023 · 3 min read

Brake pads are critical components in your car's braking system. When you step on the brake pedal, the pads create friction when pressed against the rotors to slow your car down and bring it to a stop. Replacing the pads before they wear down too much will help give you the stopping power you need to be safe on the roads in and around Lanham, MD.

How Often Should Lanham, MD Drivers Get New Brake Pads?

Pad Life and Mileage

How long pads last varies greatly, from 25,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on how often you use your brakes. The new pads are eight to twelve millimeters thick, and the lining wears thinner every time you step on the brake pedal. If you frequently brake hard, drive-in stop-and-go traffic, or on hilly roads where downhill braking is required, you will likely have to replace the pads more often. To stay safe, consider replacing the pads between 40,000 and 50,000 miles.

Pad Thickness

For the pads to work effectively, they must be thicker than 6.4 millimeters to stop your car. Replace the pads when they are between 3.2 and 6.4 millimeters thick to ensure your safety. If they are less than 3.2 millimeters thick, replace them immediately to help prevent your brakes from failing.

Inspection Intervals

It's a good idea to get the pads checked by a certified technician every 7,500 miles or at least once a year when you take your vehicle for an oil change. When you get the pads routinely inspected and the pad lining thickness measured, the technician will be able to replace them before they wear too thin. This way, you shouldn’t have to worry about brake failure and should be able to stop your car on a dime.

Replacement Signs

Luckily there are also a few signs that will warn you when it's time to replace the pads. If you notice it takes longer for your vehicle to stop, the linings are worn and not providing the necessary friction to slow your car down. Pads worn unevenly will cause your vehicle to veer to the left or right when you apply the brakes.

If you hear high-pitched squealing sounds, they’re coming from the metal burrs or wear indicators built into the pads to warn you it's time to replace the pads. If you don't replace them, they'll eventually wear down completely. When they are completely worn down, you'll start to hear grinding noises from the bare metal scraping against the steel rotors. This will cause them to overheat and eventually warp, which will be expensive to repair.

Driving around with worn and thin pads is extremely dangerous. Don't compromise your safety or the safety of your passengers and other motorists. Contact our Ford Service Center at DARCARS Ford of Lanham for a pad inspection, measurement, and top-quality pads to ensure your brakes work properly.

Posted in:

Mar 28, 2025 in Auto Service Lanham MD

Maintaining Your Ford Brake System: Safety First

Your brake system is a vital component to the on-road safety of your vehicle, so it's essential to make sure your brakes are always in good condition. If your brakes have too much wear and tear or are not performing correctly, you may not be able to bring your car to an emergency stop in time. Learn everything you need to know about Ford brake maintenance before you visit your local dealership. How to Maintain Your Vehicle’s Brakes Routine brake service is typically performed once a year to help identify wear and tear damage to the brake system. Specifically, Ford mechanics can check the thickness of your brake pads, the condition of brake rotors, and the level of brake fluid. All three of these components must be in good condition in order for your vehicle to operate safely on the road. In general, brake pads and rotors can typically last for a couple of years before they need to be replaced. Similarly, brake fluid usually only needs to be replaced every two years, unless there is an obvious leak. By keeping up with these routine brake services, you can help prevent major damage to the brake system and help avoid costly repairs. more Signs Your Brakes Are Failing There are a few things that can indicate a poorly functioning brake system, like the feel of a soft brake. A soft or spongy brake pedal may be caused by air in the brake line or it could mean that your vehicle has low brake fluid. Brakes that vibrate or squeal when applied can also be a sign of a failing brake system, typically caused by worn-down brake pads or rotors. To help prevent brake damage or excessive wear and tear, it's best to avoid driving habits that can stress your brake system. Constantly riding your brakes, hauling a load too heavy for your vehicle, or driving aggressively can all contribute to wearing down your brake system. Ask Your Ford Dealer in Lanham, MD About Ford Service Offers You can help cut down on the cost of routine Ford service by taking advantage of the limited-time Ford service and parts specials available at our dealership. Before heading in for your next maintenance appointment, see what kind of saving options are available in our current repair and service offers. Routine brake inspection and other services can help your Ford perform safely on the road. Get in touch with DARCARS Ford of Lanham to schedule brake service today.

Mar 07, 2025 in Auto Service Lanham MD

Understanding Ford Maintenance Schedule: Keep Your Ford Running Great

If you want to keep your Ford running smoothly in the future, you can work with a technician to create a comprehensive maintenance plan. Your Ford maintenance schedule will help keep your car in excellent condition no matter how much you drive. If you'd like to set up a servicing schedule today, we'd be happy to create one that works with your busy life. Services to Check Regularly for Your Ford It’s important to keep your tires at the PSI level that’s listed in your owner's manual. Check tire pressure monthly, and also search each tire for signs of damage. Once a month, it’s a good idea to check the level and condition of your car's fluids, including the brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, motor oil, power steering fluid, differential fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. It’s better for your car if these fluids are not leaking. If there are issues with your fluids, top them up or flush them if necessary. more Check your owner’s manual for recommendations on oil changes, as well as when your car’s tires should be rotated. Have a technician inspect your brakes routinely as well. With a brake check, they should remove and examine each component while checking for brake fluid leaks. All belts and hoses in your car should also be inspected on a regular basis for signs of fraying, loosening, or leaking. Ask a technician about when a good time for maintenance on spark plugs is. Have them check the ignition coils, fuel injectors, and other components. These parts can be examined, tested, and replaced if necessary. In some cases, the cabin air filter and windshield wipers will need to be replaced once a year. Also have your headlights, taillights, and external lights checked yearly, along with the battery and other parts of the electrical system. The exhaust should be examined each year. In the longer term, your transmission and coolant will need to be serviced. The timing belt and drive belt will eventually need to be replaced, although these belts can last for a number of years. Have Ford Service Questions in Lanham, MD? When to get your Ford serviced can vary depending on a number of things. Our certified Ford technicians can set up a service schedule that works well for you and your car. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham today so our experienced technicians can help.

oil being poured in a funnel feeding the car engine | Lanham, MD

Mar 29, 2024 in Auto Service Lanham MD

The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Your Ford: Tips from Lanham's Experts

Ford maintenance is crucial to helping your car last longer and provide a smooth ride. Everything from sticking to the service schedule to keeping your car clean adds up to a vehicle you can be proud of. Here is a long list of things you can do to maintain your car, courtesy of your local Ford dealer in Lanham, MD. Follow the Service Schedule for Oil Changes If you want to make sure your Ford stays in good condition long-term, one of the best things to do is be sure you never miss an oil change. Our experts recommend sticking to Ford's guidelines for oil changes, usually every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. more Prioritize Brake System Maintenance Underperforming brakes are a serious hazard. Pay close attention to any changes in noises or stopping power when you apply the brake. These symptoms might point to worn brake pads or discs. Don't Forget Battery Care Your car's battery won't last forever, only about three to five years. Check on your battery regularly, looking for obvious signs of trouble like corrosion, leaks, or a swollen battery case. If your car is having a hard time starting or your battery is getting old, it's a good idea to have it tested. Perform Fluid Level Checks Oil isn't the only fluid your car needs to run correctly. Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid all need to be topped up or replaced over time. Replace Your Filters Engine and cabin air filters help prevent contaminants from entering the engine and interior of your car. Over time, filters become clogged, reducing airflow and affecting your car's performance. Get Regular Inspections Routine inspections are vital for catching any potential issues before they escalate into expensive repairs. Regular checks by our professionals can help identify wear and tear or damage that may not be immediately obvious to the untrained eye. Keep It Clean Regular washing and waxing help protect the paintwork and undercarriage of your car, helping to prevent rust and corrosion. Keeping your interior clean makes driving your car more pleasant and helps preserve its resale value. Drive Responsibly Aggressive driving, like rapid acceleration and hard braking, stresses your engine, brakes, and tires unnecessarily. Adopting a smoother driving style can help extend the lifespan of your car. Get Professional Ford Maintenance at Your Ford Dealer in Lanham, MD While there are many things you can do personally for your car, there's no substitute for professional servicing. Our certified Ford technicians have the expertise, tools, and genuine parts to keep your vehicle in top condition. Investing time and care into your Ford is an investment in its future, ensuring it stays with you for many miles to come. If you're ready to take care of your Ford, call to book an appointment or schedule one online with DARCARS Ford of Lanham today.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.