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How often should I replace the brakes on my Subaru?

As a general rule, you should replace the brakes on your Subaru every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, or every 2 to 3 years, whichever comes first. However, the exact frequency can vary depending on your driving habits, the type of brakes, and other factors. It's important to regularly inspect your brakes and replace them as needed to ensure your vehicle's safety and performance.


Understanding Brake Wear


The brake pads and rotors on your Subaru are designed to wear down over time as you use them to slow and stop your vehicle. The rate of wear depends on several factors, including:



  • Driving conditions: If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving, such as in heavy traffic or in the city, your brakes will wear down faster than if you do mostly highway driving.

  • Driving style: Aggressive braking, such as sudden stops or riding the brakes, can cause faster wear on the brake components.

  • Brake type: Some brake pads and rotors are designed to last longer than others, depending on the materials used.

  • Vehicle weight: Heavier vehicles, such as SUVs or trucks, will generally wear down their brakes faster than lighter vehicles.


It's important to have your brakes inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic to ensure they are in good working condition and to catch any issues before they become more serious.


Replacing Your Subaru's Brakes


When it's time to replace your Subaru's brakes, it's generally recommended to replace both the front and rear brakes at the same time. This ensures even and consistent braking performance across all four wheels. The specific parts that may need to be replaced include:



  • Brake pads

  • Brake rotors

  • Brake calipers (if necessary)

  • Brake fluid


The cost to replace your Subaru's brakes can vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as the specific parts needed. On average, you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a full brake job, including parts and labor.


It's important to have your brakes replaced by a qualified mechanic who can ensure the new parts are properly installed and that your braking system is functioning correctly. Neglecting to replace your brakes when needed can lead to more serious and costly issues down the road.

How long do brakes last on a Subaru?


between 30,000 and 70,000 miles
Subaru brake pads usually last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on your driving habits. If you commute in heavy traffic and use your brakes frequently, you'll need to get an check more consistently.



Can I just replace brake pads and not rotors?


You don't always have to replace rotors when replacing brake pads. The frequency of rotor replacement depends on factors like rotor quality and driving conditions. However, if your mechanic finds warped or worn rotors beyond the minimum discard thickness, they recommend replacing them together with brake pads.



How much does it cost to get all 4 brakes replaced?


For a complete brake repair, which includes replacing pads, rotors, and calipers, the price generally falls between $300 and $800, with some vehicles easily surpassing $1,000 due to more expensive parts or complex labor.



How do I know if my Subaru brakes are bad?


4 Signs You Should Talk to a Subaru Dealer about Brake Repair

  1. Squeaking or Grinding Noise. If you hear squeaking or grinding when braking, it's a sign your vehicle needs a brake job.
  2. Vibrations in the Brake Pedal.
  3. Dashboard Warning Light.
  4. Pulling to One Side.



How many miles do factory brakes last?


How Many Miles Do Brakes Last? There's no standard answer to this question. Car manufacturers estimate that brake pads can last anywhere between 20,000 to 70,000 miles. On average, most car owners replace their brake pads after 40,000 miles to ensure they're still in good shape.



Should I replace all 4 brakes at the same time?


Usually not. Typically both front brakes need replacing, or both back brakes, but occasionally all 4 are worn at the same time. Decide based on inspection and how much braking material remains.



How much does it cost to change brakes on Subaru?


Most Subaru franchise service centers will run brake specials each month and can save you a lot of money on front brake pad installation. Generally the cost for parts will range from $100-$200 per axle and labor can cost anywhere between $80 - $100.



How much do rotors cost for a Subaru?


Subaru Brake rotor replacement can cost anywhere between $300 - $750 for all four rotors to be replaced. This value estimate includes labor and parts.



How often should I replace the brake rotors on my Subaru?


every 30,000 - 80,000 miles
How long do Subaru brake rotors last? The answer depends massively on your driving style, the conditions of your everyday commute, the type of rotors, and the type of vehicle you're driving. Ordinarily, Subaru rotors need to be totally replaced every 30,000 - 80,000 miles depending on the factors above.



How can you tell when your brakes need to be replaced?


9 Early Warning Signs You Need New Brakes

  1. Visible Wear-and-Tear. A visual inspection is one way to check the condition of your car's brake pads.
  2. High-Pitched Screeching.
  3. Screeching Despite New Pads.
  4. Slow Stopping Response.
  5. Brake Pedal Vibration.
  6. Extremely Sensitive or Insensitive Brakes.
  7. Driveway Puddle.
  8. Heavy Grinding Sound.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.