Brake Pad Life

[Electrochem]

I have a 2005 Vauxhall Meriva, which has flexible service intervals.

I have just had it serviced and I wondered if anyone could tell me how long brake pads normally last. It has done 27 000 miles and the next service is due in another 31000, according to the service indicator. I will change the oil more frequently than that though!

It just seems a long time for brake pads to be expected to last and I don't want to rely on wear indicator lights or find I need new discs.

[markja]

your car will have little wires in the pads. when the pad wears down to the point that the wire touches the disc it makes and electrical circuit. a little light comes on on the dash display every time you brake. this tells you that they need renewing . don't panic as soon as they come on, you have a small in built safety margin so you can get it done soon rather that immediately. DON'T LEAVE IT FOR TOO LONG THOUGH!!
you can rely on the warning lights thats what they are for.

[Electrochem]

Thank you for your reply.

From experience I never rely on these warning lights as the contacts and wiring are usually subjected to a lot of dirt and muck sprayed up from the road and do not always work.

[Toureman]

markja is right.

From my experience the system markja explains has always worked perfectly for me driving high mileages in many cars over the years.

There are not any "contacts" in the system and dirt will not effect the operation.

Your right about the oil changes though every 31000 miles is ridiculous!

[hunter75]

hi ,at my work we have a fleet of vauxhalls and the average life of the brake pads is 30-35,000mls