School Me On Brake Pads/Shoes/Rotors
 

I take my car for maintenance every 5000KM (some will argue that this is too frequent, to each their own). At about every 20,000KM, my mechanic will tell me that my pads need to be replaced and rotors resurfaced.

In all fairness, I am hearing some squeaks right now (so I suspect that it may be the rotors). Mechanic told me I have about 20-25% left in front brakes and it's squeaking.

I read online that pads should last AT LEAST 25,000 to 50,000 MILES. What's with the significant discrepancy?

And..

Is it common to have your rotors resurfaced every time your brake pads are replaced?

Btw this is for a 05 Toyota Matrix.

at 20k intervals, either you brake too hard and drag the brakes all over town, or he is using really really cheap pads and rotors.

I'd guess the latter.

What are you getting charged usually for the parts? Do you have brands and models of parts used?

I'm definitely not braking too hard.

I get charged about $150 for pad replacements or about $250 for pad replacements and rotor re-surfacing.

I have no idea what brands and parts they use for my car. I suspect that they may be cheaping out on parts.

I thought April fools was over at noon. New brakes every 20k? You are getting gouged.

Time to find a new mechanic , pm me.

If it's a matter of you riding the brakes or constantly braking cause you're going too fast, you need to drive better or accept that your driving style is costing you brake life and extra fuel.

If you think it's a matter of your mechanic gouging you, next time you're due, get his opinion, then take it to another shop to see if they tell you the same thing. Better yet, learn to do them yourself.

And squeaks don't necessarily mean it's the rotors - could be anything, could be some small debris from the road that works it's way out, pads, rotors, backing plate, etc.

i drive an 06 Matrix. currently it is almost at 104000km. if my memory serves me right, i've only ever changed the brake pads 2 or 3 times max. and yes, the rotors should be resurfaced when the pads are replaced.