Do Front and Rear Brake Pads Need to Be Replaced Simultaneously?
2 Answers
Front and rear brake pads do not need to be replaced together, as they have different replacement cycles. Under normal driving conditions, front brake pads typically require replacement every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads can last approximately 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers before needing replacement. Here is some additional information: 1. The working principle of brakes primarily relies on friction. By utilizing the friction between the brake pads and brake discs, as well as between the tires and the ground, the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted into heat energy through friction, thereby bringing the car to a stop. 2. A good and efficient braking system must provide stable, sufficient, and controllable braking force, along with excellent hydraulic transmission and heat dissipation capabilities. This ensures that the force applied by the driver to the brake pedal is effectively transmitted to the master cylinder and individual wheel cylinders, while also preventing hydraulic failure and brake fade caused by excessive heat. The braking systems in vehicles are divided into two main types: disc brakes and drum brakes. However, apart from cost advantages, drum brakes are far less efficient compared to disc brakes.
Hey, I've been driving for over a decade and noticed that the wear on front and rear brake pads is really different. The front pads bear most of the braking impact, especially in stop-and-go city traffic, so they wear out much faster—typically needing replacement every 20,000-30,000 kilometers. Rear pads have it easier, usually wearing at half that rate, sometimes lasting twice as long as the fronts. That’s why I only check and replace the heavily worn sections, avoiding unnecessary simultaneous replacements. This saves money and reduces waste. For example, last year I spent just over 200 yuan replacing only the front pads, while the rears had another year of life left. Remember: during routine maintenance, ask your mechanic to measure pad thickness—the critical safety limit is usually under 3mm. Adopting this habit keeps your car running smoothly and avoids extra costs.
