How Much Does A Brake Pads Replacement Cost in the UK?

Brake pads are a type of brake lining that is installed on the brake calipers of a vehicle. When the brakes are applied, the brake pads are forced against the brake discs, which creates friction that slows down the vehicle. Brake pads are a vital part of your car's braking system, so it's important to keep them in good working order to ensure maximum safety. Over time, it is inevitable that the brake pads wear down and need to be replaced.

How much does it cost to do a brake pads replacement?

The average cost of replacing front brake pads is £99, with prices ranging from £75 to £175. Replacing rear brake pads can cost between £70 to £150 and average around £95. The total amount will depend on how many brake pads will need replacing and if brake discs also need to be inspected and replaced. In some cases, the wear sensors may also need to be replaced which can increase the cost of the job.

Hence, the exact price of a brake pads replacement depends largely on your car, type of repairs needed and the parts your car's manufacturer recommends. Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a brake pads replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a brake pads replacement.

Average cost of a brake pads replacement by location

Brake pads typically need to be replaced every 25,000 to 50,000 miles, although this varies depending on the quality of the pads, driving habits, and type of vehicle. If your brake pads are worn out, this can compromise the safety of the vehicle as it increases the stopping distance significantly. Make sure you get the brakes checked regularly and get them replaced if needed.

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for brake pads replacement, we use real time data from thousands of car makes and models, local labour prices for brake pads repairs and replacements and brake pads part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for brake pads replacement for your car.

Average cost of a brake pads replacement by manufacturer

Signs your brake pads need a replacement

• Brake system warning lights appear on the dashboard
• Noises under braking
• Inadequate braking power
• Pulling to one side under braking
• Vibration under braking

Increased stopping distance

This one is obvious although may not be very noticeable when it happens over time. If you notice that bringing the car to a stop takes more time than it used to. When applying your brakes, if you experience less than ideal stopping times, it may be because your brake pads are worn down or because your brake fluid is low which could also be caused due to a leak. Either way, the best thing to do is get a qualified mechanic to check what’s causing the issue with your brakes.

Brake warning light on the dashboard

The brake warning light on the dashboard is typically an indicator that the brake fluid level is low. However, in some cases, it can also indicate that the brake pads have worn out and need to be replaced. If the brake light illuminates, it is imperative to address the cause of the warning light as it could negatively affect the safety of your vehicle.

Squealing noise when braking

If you notice that there is a distinct squealing sound coming from the underside of your car, it’s likely that this is an indication of worn-out brake pads. The sound usually goes away when you apply the brakes. Some cars have an acoustic brake pad wear indicator which is a metallic device that is mounted on the brake pad. It is designed to contact the brake disc when the pad wears down to a certain point, and will make a noise to warn the driver that the pads need to be replaced.

Car pulling to one side

This can happen because the brake pads are sticking or binding, which causes the car to pull to one side. Sometimes the car pulling to one side can also mean improper wheel alignment so it’s best to get a trained mechanic to get it checked.

Frequently asked questions about brake pads cost

Should I replace brake discs when I get brake pads replaced?

When brake pads are worn to extremes or if grinding noises have been heard the brake discs will also require replacement. If the brake pads need to be replaced, the brake discs should be inspected for damage by a mechanic. Depending on the severity of the damage, the discs may need to be replaced or resurfaced.

How long does it take to replace brake pads?

Replacement of brake pads can take around 45 mins to an hour. This can vary depending on the car’s make and model. Fortunately, brake pad replacements can easily be carried out by mobile mechanics - which means the mechanic can replace the brake pads without the need for you to take the car to the garage. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors.
To get an accurate price for your vehicle, select your car and enter your postcode at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for a brake pads replacement through ClickMechanic.

What is the brake pads replacement cost per axle?

Front brake pads replacement is slightly higher than rear brake pads replacement and you can expect to pay on average £100 for brake pads on the front axle and an average of £90 for the rear axle set. This cost can differ depending on the make and model of the car, so to get an exact price, you can input your vehicle registration number and postcode on the website.

What is the cost of service brake binding repair?

Brake binding is when the brakes are applied and the vehicle does not slow down or stop as expected. This can be caused by a number of things, including a sticking brake caliper, caliper slides or a seized brake pad. A mechanic will need to inspect the exact cause of the issue but in many cases, the brake caliper will need to be replaced which can cost anywhere between £150 to £220.

Can I carry out a brake pads replacement myself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a brake pads replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work.

What else could be the problem if my brake pads are in serviceable condition?

If you’re experiencing braking issues and it is not the brake pads at fault then the following parts can also affect overall braking performance:

• Brake Fluid - it could be the case that the brake fluid is low or is contaminated with moisture which can lead to spongy brakes. Replacing the brake fluid will usually fix this.
• Brake Caliper - they are responsible for squeezing the brake pads against the discs to create friction and slow down the vehicle.
• Brake Discs - if the brake discs are warped or corroded it can cause vibrations and negatively affect braking performance

What happens during a brake pads replacement?

During a brake pad replacement job, you can typically expect the following to happen:

• Mechanic will inspect the brake system.
• Mechanic will establish whether the front, rear or both sets of brake pads require replacement.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the brake pads.
• Mechanic will inspect the brake system and, if deemed safe, will test drive the car.