I wore out the Firestone "Lifetime" brake pads in 20,000 miles. This isnt surprising because I have worn out every type of brake pad within 30,000 miles. I am now in the Firestone getting the brake pads replaced for FREE since its supposed to be a "Lifetime" brake pad and under warranty. I guess I will see this Firestone place in another 20,000 miles.

I cannot tell the difference between the Wagner pads the Firestone dealership uses and the original Honda pads. I have not done any instrumented testing so there may be an actual difference, but I cant tell. The car stops. Honda pads are the shortest lasting pads I have encountered and my first set lasted 17000 miles.

I highly suggest getting your pads changed at Firestone, but beware. They will try to "upsell" you on other things you may or may not need....

 

If you wear your pads out that quickly, it has nothing to do with the pads and everything with your driving.

 

Also what you drive (AT or MT) and where you drive. Living in NYC probably little open road driving and I'd bet an AT also. My '09 MT is still on original brakes with 87K miles, 15K of those towing. I engine brake whenever possible though. I checked each corner at 65K miles and fronts were at 50% and rears 75%.

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My personal belief is how I drive stresses the brakes more then anyone else can do besides those who routinely race the Honda Fit around a racetrack. I use the Fit for business purposes driving around on a daily basis visiting people in the NYC area. Countless stops, starts, etc. I routinely drive from stop sign to stop sign oftentimes riding the brakes. Police cars are often subject to this same treatment slowly cruising around neighborhoods braking often. Their pads last about 15-20k miles if that. So I would say I drive at the extreme and put more pressure on my brakes then most.

The Firestone brake deal is the best in my opinion. The Honda dealer or independent mechanic wont replace your brake pads for free after they have worn down. Also wanted to say that not only the pads have been replaced on my Fit but the actual rotors themselves quite a few times as they warp quite easy...probably 3-4 sets of rotors in 134,000 miles. The brake fluid has been changed twice. Water and dirt gets into the fluid thereby effecting brake performance. I change the fluid every year as I am on the brakes so much I feel its best for safety purposes. Most people should follow the manual and change fluid every 2-3 years. The manual says 3, but I would go with 2 for safety purposes. Most certainly not a do it yourself exercise unless you are a professional mechanic. Never touch the brakes unless you are a qualified professional mechanic.

 

mmmm I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express once. Does that qualify me?

Brakes are an easy DIY. $20 for a set of aftermarket pads. $30 if you get the premium ones. $40 if you buy the Honda set.

 

my pads are still around 80% life, and I have driven at the dragstrip, cut around the backroads, lots of city driving, etc...

going on 33k miles and brakes still feel like new, especially since I keep on top of brake fluid maintenance