How Long Do Akebono Brake Pads Last?
Brake pads are one of the most important safety components in your vehicle. They help provide the stopping power needed to bring your car or truck to a safe stop. But like all automotive parts, brake pads wear out over time and need to be replaced. For drivers looking for brake pads that offer exceptional durability and longevity, Akebono brake pads are a top choice.
Overview of Akebono Brake Pads
Akebono is a leading manufacturer of high-performance brake components and systems. The company pioneered the use of ceramic composites in brake pads, which provide significant advantages over traditional pads made of metallic or organic materials. Here are some key benefits of Akebono’s ceramic brake pads:
- Longer lifespan – The ultra-hard ceramic fibers are highly resistant to heat and friction, allowing the pads to last significantly longer than other pad materials.
- Low dust – Ceramic pads produce very little brake dust, keeping your wheels cleaner.
- Quieter braking – The smooth friction surface results in less noise when braking.
- Stable friction – Friction output remains consistent throughout the pad life.
What Impacts the Lifespan of Brake Pads?
Several factors determine how many miles you can expect to get out of a set of brake pads, including:
- Driving style – Aggressive driving with heavy braking shortens pad life. Gentle braking elongates it.
- Vehicle type – Larger vehicles and hauling/towing wear pads faster.
- Operating conditions – Stop-and-go city driving, wet conditions, and hilly terrain increase wear.
- Pad material – Ceramic pads like Akebono last longer than semi-metallic and organic.
- Maintenance and repairs – Keeping components like calipers and rotors in good working order maximizes pad life.
Expected Lifespan of Akebono Brake Pads
Most drivers can expect 30,000 to 70,000 miles from a set of Akebono brake pads. The ceramic composition allows the pads to last significantly longer than lower-grade options. With proper driving habits and routine brake maintenance, getting up to 70,000 miles or more is common.
Some Akebono pad owners report driving over 100,000 miles on the same set of pads. This exceptional longevity demonstrates the impressive durability of Akebono’s ceramic formula. However, very high-mileage depends on optimal conditions and gradual brake application.
Here is a table showing the average Akebono pad lifespan based on different driving conditions:
| Driving Conditions | Average Miles |
|---|---|
| Mostly highway | 50,000–70,000 |
| Mixed highway/city | 40,000–60,000 |
| Mostly city/stop-and-go | 30,000–50,000 |
| Mountainous/wet/winter | 25,000–40,000 |
As you can see, predominantly highway driving allows Akebono pads to reach their max lifespan. More severe conditions shorten the duration somewhat, but the pads still last considerably longer than cheaper options.
Getting the Most from Akebono Brake Pads
Follow these tips to maximize the longevity of your Akebono ceramic brake pads:
- Avoid aggressive braking and allow plenty of stopping distance. Gradual deceleration preserves the pads.
- Have your brake system inspected regularly and repair any issues immediately. Fixing problems early prevents extra wear.
- Change pads before they become fully worn. Waiting too long damages the rotors and requires early replacement.
- Ensure wheels are aligned properly. Misalignment causes uneven wear requiring earlier pad replacement.
- Drive smoothly and anticipate stops. This minimizes heat and friction stress on the pads.
- Clean wheels regularly to prevent brake dust buildup. Dust is abrasive and accelerates wear as it binds to pad surface.
Signs Your Akebono Pads Need Replacing
Watch for these cues that your Akebono pads are wearing thin and need a change:
- High-pitched squealing or grinding noise when braking
- Significant vibration or shaking in the steering wheel under braking
- Longer stopping distance even with full pedal press
- Visible damage or cracking in pad material
- Thinning of pad material exposing the metal backing plate
Address any of these symptoms right away by having your pads inspected or replaced. Delaying replacement once pads are excessively worn damages the rotors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change brake pads?
Most vehicles need pads changed every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Have an inspection done to determine if your pads need replacement within this mileage range.
Can I get 100,000 miles from Akebono pads?
It’s possible with highly favorable driving conditions like highway-only mileage. But for mixed driving, plan on replacing them within 50,000-70,000 miles.
Do ceramic pads make squealing noises?
Ceramic pads are less prone to noise compared to metallic pads. Squeals and squeaks indicate the pads are wearing thin.
Why change pads before they’re completely worn?
Waiting too long risks damaging rotors and calipers. It’s optimal to replace pads when 2-3mm of material remains.
Is it ok to mix pad materials like ceramic and semi-metallic?
It’s best to replace all pads at once with the same material to ensure even braking. Talk to a mechanic about compatible replacements.
Keep Your Brakes in Top Shape with Akebono
Akebono ceramic brake pads offer car and truck owners substantially longer pad life compared to other formulas. While factors like driving style impact longevity, you can rely on getting thousands of extra miles from Akebono’s superior materials and engineering.
With proper maintenance and driving habits that minimize brake strain, reaching up to 70,000 miles or more on a single set of pads is achievable. Visit Akebono’s website to learn about their full range of high-performance braking products.
