Brake pads are one of the most important components of the vehicle’s braking system. As part of regular maintenance, replacing worn-out brake pads is necessary to ensure safety and optimal performance. However, the question of whether brake pads are covered under warranty often arises, especially when they wear out earlier than expected.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of warranties, how they apply to brake pads, and what you can expect from various manufacturers and extended warranty providers. We’ll also answer common questions about brake pad warranties to help you better understand what’s covered and what’s not.
Contents
Brake Pads and Their Role
Brake pads are part of the disc braking system, which is common in modern vehicles. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is used to squeeze the brake calipers, which press the brake pads against the brake rotors. This friction slows down and eventually stops your vehicle.
Wear and Tear of Brake Pads
Brake pads are made from materials like ceramic, organic, or metallic compounds. Over time, friction causes the brake pads to wear down. Factors that affect the rate of wear include:
- Driving habits: Aggressive braking will wear out pads faster.
- Driving environment: City driving with frequent stops wears pads quicker than highway driving.
- Brake pad material: Ceramic pads typically last longer than metallic or organic pads.
Since brake pads naturally wear out, their coverage under a warranty can be a gray area, often depending on the type of warranty and the manufacturer’s policies.
Types of Warranties and Brake Pad Coverage
Warranties typically fall under two main categories: Manufacturer’s Warranty and Extended Warranty. Each type of warranty offers different levels of coverage for brake pads.
1. Manufacturer’s Warranty
A manufacturer’s warranty is the coverage provided by the vehicle manufacturer when you buy a new car. This warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship, but it usually does not cover wear-and-tear items like brake pads. Since brake pads naturally degrade over time due to normal use, they are generally excluded from most manufacturer warranties.
However, there are some exceptions:
- Defective Brake Pads: If the brake pads were installed incorrectly or if the pads were defective from the factory, some manufacturers may cover the replacement under the warranty. This is relatively rare and usually requires proof that the pads were defective from the start.
- Premium Vehicles: Some luxury brands offer comprehensive maintenance programs with their new vehicles that cover routine maintenance, including brake pad replacement, during a specific period (e.g., the first 3 years or 36,000 miles). Examples include BMW’s Ultimate Care and Audi’s Complimentary Maintenance programs.
2. Extended Warranty (Vehicle Service Contracts)
Extended warranties, or Vehicle Service Contracts (VSC), are purchased separately and can offer broader coverage than a manufacturer’s warranty. However, extended warranties often treat brake pads similarly to manufacturer warranties and exclude them from coverage, considering them a wear-and-tear component.
There are, however, a few extended warranty providers that offer wear-and-tear coverage, which may include brake pads, though this is less common and usually comes at a higher cost.
3. Brake Pad Manufacturer’s Warranty
Some brake pad manufacturers offer warranties on their products. These warranties are usually more focused on defects in materials or workmanship rather than covering regular wear. Depending on the manufacturer, the warranty may guarantee the pads for a specific number of miles or for a limited period, such as 1-2 years.
For example:
- Bosch Brake Pads: Bosch offers limited lifetime warranties on their brake pads, covering defects in material and workmanship. However, normal wear and tear are not covered.
- NAPA Brake Pads: NAPA provides a lifetime warranty on many of their brake pad products, but it only covers defects, not normal wear.
Some manufacturers may offer replacement brake pads if they wear out prematurely, but this varies widely by brand.
What Warranties Typically Cover and Exclude for Brake Pads
Warranties, whether from the vehicle manufacturer or brake pad maker, generally focus on covering defects rather than wear. Here’s a general breakdown of what’s usually covered and what’s excluded:
What’s Typically Covered for Brake Pads Warranties
Brake pad warranties vary depending on the manufacturer, brand, or retailer, but there are some common elements typically covered. Here’s an overview:
- Defective brake pads: If the brake pads are found to have a manufacturing defect that leads to premature failure or poor performance.
- Improper installation: If brake pads were improperly installed by the dealership or authorized service center and fail as a result.
- Performance issues: Some warranties may cover brake pads if they cause problems like excessive noise or vibration, provided it’s a manufacturing issue and not due to wear or improper usage.
What’s Typically Excluded for Brake Pads Warranties
Brake pad warranties often come with several exclusions that limit what is covered. These exclusions can vary by manufacturer, but the following are typically not covered in brake pad warranties:
- Normal wear and tear: Brake pads wear down with normal use and are considered consumable parts. As such, wear-and-tear-related replacement is usually not covered.
- Driving habits: Damage or excessive wear caused by aggressive driving or improper usage (e.g., riding the brakes) will not be covered.
- Environmental factors: Damage caused by external factors like exposure to road salt or debris is generally excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about car warranty and brake pad –
1. Are brake pads usually covered under a new car warranty?
No, brake pads are typically not covered under a new car warranty because they are considered a wear-and-tear item. However, if the brake pads are found to be defective, they might be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.
2. Do extended warranties cover brake pads?
Most extended warranties do not cover brake pads, as they are classified as a consumable part. However, some premium extended warranties that include wear-and-tear coverage may offer limited protection for brake pads.
3. Can I get brake pads replaced under warranty if they wear out too soon?
In most cases, premature wear is not covered under standard warranties. However, some brake pad manufacturers may offer a limited warranty for early failure due to defects. You’ll need to check the specific terms.
4. Are brake pads covered under maintenance plans?
Some automakers offer maintenance plans that cover routine services, including brake pad replacement. These plans are usually available for a set period (e.g., 3 years or 36,000 miles) and are more common with luxury brands like BMW or Audi.
5. What should I do if my brake pads fail under warranty?
If your brake pads fail and you believe they are covered under a warranty, contact the dealership or the service provider that performed the installation. Be prepared to provide documentation of the purchase and service, and ensure the failure is due to a defect, not wear.
Conclusion
In most cases, brake pads are considered wear-and-tear components and are not covered under standard vehicle warranties or extended service contracts. However, defects in materials or workmanship may be covered by either the vehicle manufacturer or the brake pad manufacturer, depending on the specific terms of the warranty. Knowledge about the warranty and practicing good maintenance can help ensure that the brake pads last as long as possible.