Last updated on August 18th, 2022
How much does brake pad replacement cost?
Brake pads typically need to be replaced every 50,000 miles or so. Inevitably, there will be an upfront brake pad replacement cost when that time comes.
When you consider the safety risks of driving with faulty brakes, it’s definitely a cost that’s worth spending!
How much does it cost to replace brake pads and discs?
| Engine size | Front pads cost | Front pads and discs cost | Rear pads cost | Rear pads and discs cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1300cc | £104.95 | £189.95 | £99.85 | £184.95 |
| Up to 1600cc | £114.95 | £204.95 | £109.95 | £199.95 |
| Up to 1900cc | £119.95 | £214.95 | £114.95 | £209.95 |
| Up to 2200cc | £129.95 | £229.95 | £124.95 | £224.95 |
| Over 2200cc | £134.95 | £239.95 | £129.95 | £234.95 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
The average cost of replacing brake pads and discs in the UK depends in on a number of factors, including the make of your car, its engine size and your location.
Cost of replacing brake pads and discs by location
| Location | Average Cost (+VAT) |
|---|---|
| Glasgow | £189 |
| Birmingham | £201 |
| Manchester | £207 |
| Liverpool | £233 |
| Newcastle | £248.50 |
| London | £276.50 |
Glasgow is one of the cheapest cities for getting your brake pads and discs replaced, with an average cost of £189.
Meanwhile, London has the highest average cost, at £276.50.
Take a look at these average brake pad disc replacement costs in our table to get an idea of how they differ across the UK.
Cost of replacing brake pads and discs by car make
In general, brake pad disc replacement costs get higher with more premium car brands, although there are exceptions.
Amongst the most expensive brands are BMW and Mercedes. The cost of replacing brake pads and discs on a BMW is £377.50 on average, while for a Mercedes that figure stands at £358.
At the cheaper end, you’ll find Toyota cars, with an average cost of just £198.50.
FAQs about brake pad replacement
How much does it cost to replace brake pads alone?
It’s considered best practice to replace your brake pads every time your brake discs get replaced.
However, because brake pads are made of a softer material than metal brake discs, you’ll find that they wear out faster and will usually need replacing more frequently.
To give you an idea of prices, a Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 has an average brake pad replacement cost of £89, compared to £175 to replace both the pads and the discs. Similarly, you’ll be looking at a brake pad replacement cost of around £154 for a Volkswagen Golf 1.4, compared to £264 for replacing the brake pads and discs together.
How often should you replace brake pads?
Brake pads usually need to be replaced every 50,000 miles.
That said, depending on factors like how often you use your brakes and how much weight you put in your car, they could last anywhere from 25,000 to 70,000 miles.
With the average driver covering around 12,000 miles each year, you’re likely to need to budget for the cost of brake pad replacements every four to five years.
Can I save on brake pad replacement costs by doing it myself?
You might be tempted to save on the cost of brake pad replacement by trying your hand at it yourself. We’d only recommend this if you know what you’re doing, though – the dangers associated with faulty brakes are just too high to risk a bodged job!
To find a trusted mechanic near you and get a tailored brake pad replacement cost for your car, just use our free search feature below.
The Checkatrade guarantee
When you contact a trade through Checkatrade, our guarantee could cover you for up to 12 months. You can claim up to £1,000. Exclusions and T&Cs apply.
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