Brake pad life
 

I expected to hear that I need new pads at my recent 30K checkup, but not so. What pad life should I be expecting ('03)?

It all depends on driving conditions and styles. Did they mention how much pad was still left because you can then simply extrapolate. Heck, when my GTI was 6 years old with 130K miles it still had the original brake pads (I don't brake much I guess ;) ) Since they felt no need to replace yours at this time, I would think getting 50K out of a set of pads is achievable.

Avg. Brake Pad life is about 35k mi.

But, many things affect this avg.

Lots of expressway driving and it's extended, personal driving style, etc.

The minimum wear spec for OEM pads is 2.0mm and 2.5mm for the Brake wear indicator to light.

It can also depend on wether you have a manual or an automatic. If you slow down with the gears in a manual, you can extend the life of the brakes. :cheers:

When I purchased my car it had approx. 58K on the clock, I definitely had to change all of them by then. Not only were they starting to squeak upon breaking, but when I finally got around to changing them out I noticed that the brake light sensors on each of the pads were already starting to show. However, I wouldn't recommend waiting until they squeak to change them out.

Also, check your service manual to see if that's a part of your scheduled maintainence for 30K. If you don't have the cash at the moment, you may still have a couple thousand miles to buy you some time.

Better yet, if you want a DIY, here's a good link: http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/projects/brakes/change_rotors/

False economy. Brakes = $250 Clutch, Synchros = $1600-$1800.

Use the Brakes, don't engine brake where possible.

good point!