What is a good indicator that it is time for new brakes? Can you tell by just looking at them? and how many miles on avg do brake pads last?

 

there's a piece of metal that acts as an indicator for brake pads.. with low amount of pads left, it makes a screeching noise as that metal piece being exposed to rotors..

 

Unless that tab breaks off, which is common.

 

When the brakes start squeeling. It depends on usage but expect 50-60k on the pads.

 

Or the most obvious indicator... which is decreased brake performance, i.e.- additional brake pedal travel, vibration during braking...

May or may not be directly related to the pads. It could be warped rotors, low fluid, etc... Depends on the symptoms.

 

or u can look at the pads and see how much of it is left.

 

that would be suggestion too ... i visually check the brakes during every rotation and/or swap between summer/winters.