Today I intend to replace Brake Pads on both Cars. I'm sipping coffee while waking up and typing this post. I thought to record and share these miniscule insights regarding Brakes on a Vehicle after watching a YouTube Video yesterday about the Prius.
It is common practice to look over the various fluids on a vehicle and keep them topped-off. I suppose that is the least one could do, when it comes to maintaining their vehicle! Although I can think of a few people that won't even do that much. But the Brake Fluid should never need to be topped off!
The identifier for when Brake Pads need to be replaced is when the Brake Fluid Reservoir is low or below the, "Min Line". The Brake system is a sealed system, but there are a couple reasons to be low on fluid. Fluid level is the first, and easiest, indicator of needed Pad Replacement. As the Pads wear-down, the lost space is replaced by the fluid in the Reservoir. When the, "Min Line," is reached, it should be addressed. But, never refill the reservoir. When the Mechanic depresses the Brake Piston, to install new Pads, the fluid is pushed back to the reservoir. If fluid had been added, it will overflow and Brake Fluid is pretty nasty to painted finishes.
It's likely that your Brakes aren't serviced as recommended. There is a chance the mechanism isn't lubricated or, "Frozen," and the vehicle will have uneven wearing on the Brakes. If they're serviced as recommended, the car would be in the shop every year. Honestly, I doubt many shops would even actually perform any work. The Calipers should be removed, inspected and greased to ensure the Pads are working evenly.
While I too think 15,000 miles is a bit absurd. It should be done frequently. I pushed my Nissan Leaf to 35,000 and I'm now at 64,000 miles. I don't expect them to be too bad or uneven.
I opted to use Marine Grease this time on the Prius and the Leaf. Partially because of availability but additionally because it withstands very high temperatures and is thicker. I believe that thickness and heat tolerance would improve performance on the sliding mechanism of the Caliper. I will likely check them in 15,000 miles to ensure everything is okay.
What does a Garage Charge for Brakes? It would vary based on the condition of the Rotors and Calipers. But the price quoted was $80 to $300 per axle. I translated that as $160.00 for Pads and $600.00 for Pads and Rotors. To my Wife and myself, that translates to some variation between $320.00 to $1,200.00. Quite a lot of savings that can be allocated to some very attractive looking short-term Bonds and CDs!
If someone reading this isn't very, "Mechanical". Remember that Brake Fluid shouldn't be low and shouldn't be, "Topped-off". Everyone in front of you, during travels, relies on your understanding of this! So please, if the fluid is low, take the car to a shop!
