Do brake pads need to be replaced for both front and rear wheels at the same time?

[OEden]

The brake pads for the front and rear wheels do not need to be replaced simultaneously, as they differ in replacement cycles. Compared to the front brake pads, the rear brake pads have a longer service life. Below are the conditions for replacing car brake pads: 1. Normal conditions: 1. Front brake pads need to be replaced after driving 30,000-50,000 kilometers. 2. Rear brake pads need to be replaced after driving 60,000-100,000 kilometers. 2. Special conditions: 1. Beginners tend to use the brakes more frequently, leading to higher wear. 2. Automatic transmissions consume brake pads more than manual transmissions, as gear shifting in automatic transmissions relies on the accelerator and brake pedals. 3. Vehicles driven mostly in urban areas experience faster brake pad wear compared to those driven on highways, as city driving involves more frequent braking. 4. Heavier vehicles experience greater brake pad wear. When braking to decelerate at the same speed, heavier vehicles have greater inertia, requiring more friction force from the brake pads, resulting in higher wear.

[ZaneFitz]

When it comes to braking, I've noticed that the front brake pads wear out much faster because most of the braking force is concentrated on the front wheels, while the rear wheels only provide auxiliary braking. For example, during emergency braking, the weight shifts forward, accelerating the wear of the front pads. So generally, front pads need replacement every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, while rear pads can last 60,000 to 70,000 kilometers. There's no need to replace them together unless under special circumstances like a full vehicle refurbishment or abnormal wear. I make it a habit to have the technician measure the thickness with calipers during each maintenance service; if the front pads are thin, replace them, and check the rear pads before deciding. This approach saves money, extends component lifespan, and prevents premature brake disc failure, as discs and pads must be used in matching pairs. Remember, separate maintenance is smarter—don’t let shops trick you into replacing everything.

[VioletAnn]

After driving for several years, I've realized that the wear rate difference between front and rear brake pads is too significant, making it a waste to replace them together. My experience shows that front pads typically need replacement every two years, while the rear ones lasted four to five years before their first change. In city driving with frequent stops and starts, front pads wear out much faster, whereas rear pads remain stable. Unless aggressive driving or heavy loads cause uneven wear, I don't recommend replacing them simultaneously. I personally inspect my brake pads monthly: listening for noise, checking through tire gaps, and only acting when they're thin. The money saved goes towards higher-grade fuel, which benefits the engine better. Don't follow the trend of replacing all pads at once—key lies in observation and targeted maintenance.

[McEllie]

From an economic perspective, it's wiser to replace brake pads separately. Front brakes handle 70% of the braking force, wearing out faster and costing more; rear brakes only account for 30%, lasting longer and being cheaper. Replacing them together wastes money and may lead to unnecessary spare parts inventory. My method is to check wear every six months: replace front pads when they're down to 2mm, and don't rush with rear pads until they reach 3mm. Remind technicians to focus on rear brakes during maintenance. This approach can save hundreds in the long run, making it more worthwhile to spend on tires or batteries. Safety isn't compromised, but smart choices make maintenance more efficient.