Brakes are crucial for your vehicle's safety, preventing collisions and requiring regular checks and maintenance. If you notice any changes in braking performance or unusual noises, have them inspected and possibly replaced by a mechanic. 

This article covers everything UK drivers need to know about brake pad replacement costs. Read on to prepare for your repair.

How much do replacement brake pads cost? 

The average cost of replacement brake pads in the UK is £250.

Replacement costs vary by car make, model, location, and labour. We’ll detail these factors and provide estimates below.

Worried about the costs? With Bumper you could benefit from 0% interest car repair financing and pay for car repairs in instalments in easy-to-manage monthly payments.

Average brake pad replacement costs per vehicle type

The brake pad replacement cost changes depending on the type of vehicle you have. Here are some estimates per car type.

Brake pad and disc replacement cost by UK location

Where you live can affect the price you’ll pay for a brake pad and disc replacement. Here’s the average cost per UK region.

Cost of brake pads vs cost of brake pads and discs

Changing only your brake pads has a different cost to changing both the pads and discs. Here are some average costs. 

Brake pads vs discs - what’s the difference?

Brake pads and brake discs work together to stop your car. 

Brake pads press against the rotating brake discs to create friction, slowing the car down. The pads are made of friction material and wear out over time, so they need regular replacement. 

Brake discs, which provide the surface for friction, are usually made of cast iron or carbon composite. They are more durable and costly to replace than brake pads.

Usually, you only need a brake pad replacement. 

The labour cost to replace brake pads

Changing just the brake pads costs around £170. 

This is because changing the brake pads on a vehicle involves less labour and fewer new parts than both discs and pads. 

It also significantly depends on what type of car you drive, performance and ultra-luxury cars typically have larger brakes, which cost more to replace. 

How often do brake pads need replacing? 

The average brake pad will need replacing after 30,000 - 50,000 miles. 

If you live in an area with a lot of slow-moving traffic or many hills, your brakes will likely be used frequently, so you may want to get them checked often. 

How can you tell your brake pads need replacing? 

Unlike tyres, brake pads are hidden behind the wheels and inside the calliper, so it can be difficult to know exactly when they need replacing. 

Lookout for these signs:

1. Poor braking performance

If your brake pads start to lose effectiveness, have them checked immediately. 

2. Squeaking noises

Most brake pads have an in-built system for alerting the driver if the friction material wears too thin. The noise is best described as a high-pitched squeak and will be best heard at low speeds. 

3. Electronic detection

Most modern cars come equipped with a monitoring system that tells the driver via the infotainment system that the brake pads are running low.

Sensors are embedded in the brake pad material that, when near the limit, send a signal through a wire that is plugged in when the brake pads are fitted. 

Can you drive with worn-out brake pads? 

No, you shouldn’t drive with worn-out brake pads. 

As soon as you know your brake pads need to be replaced, you should drive no further than to your local mechanic.

Not only is it dangerous, but it could also land you with a £100 fine and 3 points per fault - if both your front and rear brakes are faulty, that’s at least £400 and 12 points! 

Is it OK to just replace the brake pads?

Yes, it’s okay to replace just the brake pads and not the discs.

Because the brake pad is consumable, the disc is generally protected from wear. Many sources say that while brake pads should last 30,000 miles, brake discs should last a good bit longer.

As long as the discs aren't excessively worn and you haven’t let the pads wear down to the steel and damage the discs, you should only need to replace the pads.

How long does it take to change brake pads?

It takes around an hour for a professional to change your brake pads. 

If you change your brake pads and discs yourself, it can take up to three hours. 

Brake pad replacement cost - The conclusion

Researching and understanding brake pad and disc costs is critical for all car owners, as prices will vary depending on numerous factors. Shop around at different garages to see whether the price changes depending on the provider. 

Remember that fixing your brakes is an important investment in your car and safety. Don’t put it off!

How can Bumper help 

Bumper knows a large repair bill on your car is the last thing you want to spend your money on, but essential parts such as brakes are crucial for your safety. 

Look after your car and your bank balance by splitting the cost or repairs into monthly instalments, interest-free. 

Join the Bumper community and get access to the best care for you and your car. Choose a dependable dealership and split your repair bill into monthly chunks.