I just got back from the 22,500 mile maintenance on my 2016.5 CX-5 GT. They reported front brakes at 50% and rear brakes at 60%. This refers to the wear on the pads, right?

They told me when they drop to 40% or below, I should have them replaced. It seems a little "soon" to be at 50-60% since I've got only 22K miles on the car. Is this normal?

What's the typical lifetime (in miles) on original pads, assuming normal driving?

 

Seems way low to me. How does it compare to your prior vehicles? How has your experience been with the shop in the past?

 

OP here...Yeah, seems way low to me, too! My previous vehicle was a BMW 330i (don't judge me - I'm not the typical bimmer a**hole!). I had that car for 12 years / 125,000 miles and I don't think I changed the brake pads more than once or twice.

 

I apologize for sidetracking the conversation, however, I have to ask. What Mazda do you now drive and how would you compare Mazda to BMW?

I have always felt that the driving dynamics of Mazda was similar to BMW at a lower price point. Am I in the ballpark or off base?

 

I have a 2016.5 (yeah a 2016 and a half - don't ask me - ask Mazda!) CX-5. Other than a few minor annoyances, I love it (way more than the BMW). Comparing the driving dynamics isn't really fair because my BMW was a rear wheel drive sedan, lower to the ground, and much heavier. The CX-5 is an SUV with a higher center of gravity, all-wheel drive, and lighter. That said, the acceleration, braking, cornering, etc. on the Mazda is pretty good compared to the BMW - maybe 85% if things could be quantified. (And the Mazda is way more affordable to maintain.)

 

I have a 2016.5 CX-5, the dealership where I bought it said the same thing at the same mileage. I was going there since the first two oil changes were free. I then switched to dealer closer to home, they said nothing. I had the brakes done at 55,000 miles, since front rotors warped, I had all four wheels done. I had done mountain driving and figure I overheated the brakes during that trip. So under "normal"circumstances I would guess 60,000 miles.

 

It is so dependent on the driver and type of miles that it is hard to predict. It is fair to hope for 40 to 50K before needing to replace your brakes - but it can really vary. You will get much less miles if you drive mostly city miles, especially if you mix in heavy braking that might be necessary in a hilly or mountainous area. If your miles are mostly highway commutes then 60 - 80K is possible. My brother in a 2014 Forester got 80K out of his rear brakes and just changed the fronts at 120K! Personally I'm happy to be in that 40 - 50K range.

 

If you drive like a tool expect 15,000 miles, If you're a gentle braker expect 100,000 miles.