Do brake pads need to be replaced together front and rear?
2 Answers
Brake pads do not need to be replaced together front and rear, as they have different replacement cycles. Compared to front brake pads, rear brake pads have a longer service life. Under normal driving conditions, front brake pads typically need replacement at around 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads can last about 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers before needing replacement. The replacement interval for brake pads is not only directly related to their service life but also depends on the vehicle's driving conditions and individual driving habits. New brake pads are approximately 1.5 centimeters thick, and when they wear down to only one-third of their original thickness—about 5 millimeters—they should be replaced promptly.
I've been driving for over a decade, and replacing both front and rear brake pads together is really unnecessary. It mainly depends on the actual wear condition. Front brake pads usually wear out faster because the front wheels bear most of the braking pressure, especially in stop-and-go city driving. Rear brake pads wear more slowly and can last longer. For my own car, the front pads might need replacement every 30,000 kilometers, while the rear ones can go up to 50,000 or 60,000 kilometers. When replacing them, it's best to check the thickness of the brake pads—if they're worn down to 2-3 millimeters, they should be replaced to avoid damaging the brake discs, which could lead to more expensive repairs or safety issues. Replacing both front and rear pads indiscriminately not only costs more but also wastes resources. Remember to have the technician check them during each service or measure the thickness yourself with a ruler to ensure safe driving without worries.
