How often should brake pads be replaced and should all four wheels be replaced together?
3 Answers
Brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers for the front pads and every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers for the rear pads. At 30,000 kilometers, the front brake pads should be inspected, and at 60,000 kilometers, the rear brake pads should be inspected. The brake pads for all four wheels are not replaced at the same time; they require regular inspection and timely maintenance. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are the most critical safety components in a car's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking is determined by the brake pads. Brake pads are generally composed of a steel plate, an adhesive heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, and the coating process is monitored using an SMT4 furnace temperature tracker to ensure quality by detecting the temperature distribution during coating. The heat insulation layer is made of non-heat-conductive materials to provide thermal insulation, while the friction block consists of friction materials and adhesives. When braking, the friction block is pressed against the brake disc or drum to create friction, thereby achieving the purpose of slowing or stopping the vehicle.
There's actually no fixed time for replacing brake pads, it mainly depends on the wear level. Based on my over ten years of driving experience, front and rear brake pads wear at different rates. The front wheels handle most of the braking force, so they typically wear out after about 30,000-40,000 kilometers; the rear ones wear much slower and might last 50,000-60,000 kilometers. When checking, I usually look at the brake pad thickness - new ones are about 1.5 cm thick, and they should be replaced when worn down to 0.3 cm. There's no need to replace all four at once; you can do the front and rear separately to save money. Always pay attention to unusual noises or a spongy feeling when braking, and get them checked immediately if any issues arise. If you drive aggressively with frequent hard braking, consider maintaining them earlier.
Replacing brake pads depends on specific conditions. Front brake pads wear out more than twice as fast as the rear ones, so under normal driving conditions, it's rare to replace all four simultaneously. Last time during maintenance, a technician taught me a simple way to check: observe the remaining thickness of the brake pads through the wheel hub gaps—if they're as thin as the edge of a coin, it's time to replace them. Additionally, many modern cars come with a brake warning system; a dashboard light is a clear signal. Considering safety, rear brake pads last about 1.5 times longer than the front ones, so it's more reasonable to replace them in two separate sessions—unless you've just installed new tires or had a wheel alignment. Daily driving habits also play a significant role; those who frequently drive on mountain roads will need replacements more often.
