Acura Brake Pads – How Long Should They Last

Reader Question: Hi Austin,

First of all, I purchased all your e-books on-line and wanted to thank you for being such an honest person and also for helping and caring for the people who are always getting ripped off and taken advantage of. There are not very many people left in this world as kind as you are.

Now, I hope you can help me with a question. I only take my car to the dealership (Acura) to get serviced. I have always taken my Acura to one specific dealership (where I purchased it) until recently because I just moved 2 hours away.

At my last service, I had 61,466 miles and they documented my brakes as having 7 MM lining. Yesterday, I went to a different Acura dealership for the first time, my miles were 66,104, and they said I only have 1.8 MM lining on my brakes.

Is it possible? Could I have worn my breaks that much in less than 5,000 miles, or is someone lying to me?

Since I have never had to replace brakes in any car I have owned (because I know how to drive), I do not even know if this is an average amount of wear or not.

I would really appreciate your honest opinion before I go and replace the brakes that may not need to be replaced.

Thank you,

Shari

Howdy Shari,

The first thing that comes to mind here is human error. I would bet that first mechanic either did not actually remove the wheels to inspect the brakes or he removed only one side, like the left side front and rear wheels only.

Then the second mechanic might have removed all four wheels (like they should) and got a visual inspection on all of the brakes.

The right front brake might have different wear than the left side, which is totally common.

60,000 miles is WONDERFUL if these are the original brake pads, you are due for a change.

Blessings,
Austin Davis