Front Brakes due in 3100 miles/First Brake Pad replacement

[mjposner]

Per my service history, the rear brake pads were replaced at 18k, but no front pads are mentioned. That seems odd to me.

That said car has 36k miles, and says needs front brakes in 3100 miles. Will be doing 2,000 miles next week, so that work will be due soon. Anyone know if the rotors have enough meat to be turned or is almost always a rotor and pad replacement up front.

[Thewrench86]

My car has been displaying this message for about 8k miles for the front pads, they have been inspected by the dealer at last service and i have 30% left so its not that accurate. Id say better to take a look at them yourself and gauge the situation.

[Opie55]

Generally you should not turn the rotors. Some do, but they are usually replaced. But as stated, that 3,100 mile number means literally nothing. Have the pad thickness measured or stick a little dental mirror in there and look yourself. When they are about 3mm you can think about replacement.

[thebmw]

One of my cars displayed 3000 miles till replacement for somewhere between 15 to 20000 miles before I replace them just for the heck of it. So I think that estimate is horribly inaccurate.

[Walt White Coupe]

The number of miles you can get from a set of brake pads/rotors varies tremendously on how you drive your car. If you anticipate needing to stop a long way before actually stopping and let engine braking slow you down before you apply the brakes, your brakes will last a long time. I've got 32,000 miles on my 650 and still have more than 1/2 the life left on my pads. But people in general are stupid drivers. They see a red light in the distance and rather than take their foot off the gas and coast to a near stop, they speed right up to the light and then brake hard just before the light. I see it all the time. Mechanics and brake suppliers love them.

And just a general rule of thumb, when your pads are worn out, in most cases your rotors are too. That's how the system is designed in new cars to reduce unsprung weight and other considerations.

[mjposner]

And thin rotors save the manufacturers money.....