How long do brake pads typically last?
 

I have a 2013 A6 with sport package that I took brand new delivery of in April 2013. Currently sitting on 31,500 miles a lot of which is city driving. The brake pad warning light came on this week and when looking into when that is caused the common answer was when they have about 25% life yet. Trying to get a feel for how long brake pads typically last (yes, I understand it's based on a few factors but there should be a median mile number in there somewhere) and then would like recommendations on if I should get Audi pads or go aftermarket when I replace them (would like to get something that produces less brake dust).

Thanks

Given the number of miles...
 

... you may well need rotors as well. I have had two A6's and you have gone a long way on those pads - iI assume you must have a fair bit of highway driving as part of your routine. I did pads and rotors on the front at 25K for both. Because I was leasing, I stayed with OEM, but I have used ECS Tuning or StopTech as my go to for aftermarket brake upgrades on other cars. Our current RS5 needed new pads and rotors at 11K and our S4 needed the same at 15K. They are driven hard through the mountain roads of Southern California.

I hope that is helpful. If you call ECS or StopTech, they will give you helpful information as to your choices... i.e., what are your priorities: low dust, maximum stopping power, fade resistance, etc.

Happy Motoring

Eric

It all depends on how you drive, city or rural location and stop and go traffic conditions. For ecample, at my recent 35K service, they checked the pads and I had about 70% remaining. I'm typically not too aggressive, often use my tip to downshift, don't have a commute to deal with anymore and live in a rural/suburban area.

Brake Pads
 

I just had mine inspected last week at Audi. I have 41,800 miles on them with 6-7 mm left which is about half. I do allot of early morning drives on parkways and highways with no traffic. I am still on my original tires. I have a 2013 A6

I just had my 35k mile service and the dealer reported that both front and rear pads had 9mm left. My driving style is very smooth and relaxed, even in the city.