If your brakes are squealing or are making grinding/banging sounds you know that you need need a mechanic. Urgently.

But what about the cars that seem to constantly need the brakes fixed. We're talking about the cars where it feels like they need attention every 10,000 or so kms? Technically speaking, brake pads can last up to about 70,000 kms. So, "what might be going on with brakes that wear so quickly"?

The answer is both in the kind of driving style you have and the fact that you're in Australia. Regardless of our driving styles, Australia's high temperatures can cause brakes to wear prematurely. So start with asking your mechanic to give advice on whether you need heavy duty temperature resistant brake pads.

The next thing to work through is "what is your driving style" as this will impact the kind of brake pad formulation. When you take your car for its service or specifically to fix a brake problem, tell your mechanic how you use your car. Do you drive mostly in the country? Or are you more often driving at high speeds on freeways? If you're doing a lot of off-road driving or taking your car through steep terrain, this is crucial to tell your mechanic.

Finally, if you tow heavy loads or do a lot of stop start driving, this should also be part of the conversation. Let your mechanic know. If they don't seem to take this information seriously, question them strongly.

Where possible, choose a mechanic that is part of an industry standard - Temby Auto Service is a Repco Authorised Service centre, for example, will have this sort of training and response to brake servicing as part of their DNA. Good luck with getting the right formulation for your brakes and having them last as long as they can based on what you do with your car.