Do brake discs and brake pads need to be replaced at the same time?

[LeKate]

Brake discs and brake pads do not need to be replaced together. Here is an introduction to brake discs and brake pads: 1. The replacement of brake discs depends on their thickness and wear condition. 2. The brake disc is a very important component in the braking system, and its structure is divided into solid brake discs and ventilated discs. 3. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are critical safety parts in a car's braking system. They consist of a steel plate, an adhesive heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The maintenance methods for brake pads and brake discs are as follows: 1. Develop good driving habits. 2. Avoid emergency braking. 3. Regularly check brake pads and brake discs. 4. Check the thickness of the friction lining. 5. Have a professional inspect the brake shoes. 6. Use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brake pads and brake discs for replacement.

[StReid]

I often discuss brake maintenance in car enthusiast groups and am quite familiar with this topic. Brake discs and brake pads don't necessarily need to be replaced at the same time; it mainly depends on their wear condition. Brake pads wear out faster, typically needing replacement every 30,000-50,000 kilometers, while brake discs are more durable and can last over 100,000 kilometers. When replacing pads, it's advisable to check the discs for deep grooves, insufficient thickness, or warping issues. If the discs are in good condition, replacing only the pads can save money; however, if the discs are severely worn, new pads may accelerate damage or cause brake shudder. I personally tried replacing only the pads without changing the discs, which resulted in loud brake noise and later required rework, costing me extra. The key is to have the mechanic measure the disc thickness during every maintenance service; if it's below the specified value, both should be replaced to ensure safe and smooth driving. Daily driving habits also affect wear—for example, frequent hard braking accelerates disc and pad wear. It's recommended to develop smooth driving habits to reduce frequent maintenance needs.

[MarcusLynn]

In my daily car usage experience, the replacement timing for brake discs and brake pads differs. Pads wear out faster due to contact friction, while discs, as foundational components, have a longer lifespan. Typically, replacing pads doesn't mandate disc replacement, but you must check if the disc surface has severe grooves or uneven wear. I recall an instance where I only replaced the pads without changing the discs, and later experienced steering wheel vibration during braking, only to discover the discs had warped. I learned that thickness measurement is the deciding factor: use calipers to measure disc thickness, and replacement is only necessary when it reaches the manufacturer's minimum specified value. A money-saving tip is to act only when necessary, but never at the expense of safety. City driving with frequent traffic congestion leads to more brake usage and faster wear, possibly requiring earlier joint replacement of discs and pads; whereas on highways or rural roads with less braking, discs can last longer. I make it a point to inspect the brake system during every annual maintenance to identify issues early and avoid accident risks.

[OHannah]

Let me approach this from a cost-saving perspective. Brake rotors and pads don't necessarily need replacement at the same time, which can save some expenses. Pads wear faster, requiring renewal every few tens of thousands of kilometers, while rotors last considerably longer. When replacing pads, if inspection shows no significant grooves and normal thickness on the rotors, there's no need to replace them. I've experienced this once - replacing only the pads when the rotors were in good condition saved me 200 yuan. However, safety comes first, as defective rotors can damage new pads, leading to repeated repairs. During every maintenance, I emphasize measuring rotor thickness: no action if it meets standards, only addressing it when abnormal. This wise decision-making extends component lifespan.