When should I replace my brake pads?
If you notice any of the warning signs of bad brakes above, visit a brake repair shop. Additionally, you’ll want to get your brakes checked regularly per the schedule listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
GM vehicles may also be equipped with special GM brake pads that have special wear indicators built in. These chirp or whistle when a brake pad replacement is necessary. (We recommend new brake pads when there is less than 2mm of brake pad friction material remaining, or sometime between 30,000 and 60,000 miles.)
Some factors that will reduce pad life include frequent heavy braking, elevated temperatures (caused by high-speed braking, driving in mountainous areas), driving with the vehicle heavily loaded, and severe environments such as high-corrosion areas and areas with a lot of road debris and dust.