Most cars have four wheels, and each wheel requires its own brake assembly. Therefore, a typical modern car uses four brake pads if it has disc brakes on all four wheels, which is the standard for most vehicles today. However, some cars, particularly older models or certain economy trims, might use a combination of disc brakes on the front axle and drum brakes on the rear. In this case, the car would have two brake pads (for the front disc brakes) and two brake shoes (for the rear drum brakes). Brake pads are the consumable friction material that presses against a rotating disc (or rotor) to slow the vehicle.
The front brakes handle a significantly larger portion of the braking force due to weight transfer during deceleration. This means front brake pads wear out 2-3 times faster than rear pads. It's crucial to replace them in axle sets—both front pads or both rear pads at the same time—to ensure even braking and prevent vehicle pulling.
When it's time for replacement, you don't just buy a single pad; you purchase a set for an entire axle. Mechanics and part stores typically sell brake pad sets as follows:
| Brake Pad Set Type | Number of Pads Included | Typical Application |
|---|
| Front Axle Set | 2 Pads | Replaces both pads on the front wheels. |
| Rear Axle Set | 2 Pads | Replaces both pads on the rear wheels (if disc brakes). |
| Complete Vehicle Set | 4 Pads | Replaces all four pads on a car with four-wheel disc brakes. |
Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or consult a professional to confirm your specific brake configuration before purchasing parts. The key takeaway is that you need to think in terms of axles, not individual wheels, when planning for maintenance.
