Brake pad replacement cost guide
by
Checkatrade

Most modern cars have brake discs. This is a system which involves brake pads getting squeezed against spinning discs each time you press your foot on the brake. Over time, this pressure causes the brake pads to grow thinner and wear out. As such, 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.

But, when you consider the safety risks of driving with faulty brakes, it’s definitely a cost that’s worth spending! If you’ve ever felt a judder or heard a squealing or scraping sound when you’ve pressed the brake pedal, that could be a sign that it’s time to replace your brake pads.

How much does it cost to replace brake pads and discs?

The average cost of replacing brake pads and discs in the UK is £252. However, brake pad disc replacement costs can vary based on factors like the make and model of your car and your location.

Cost of replacing brake pads and discs by location

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

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.