Should All Four Brake Pads Be Replaced Together?

[LeAna]

Brake pads can be replaced either in pairs or as a full set of four. Below are the reasons for replacing brake pads in pairs and the recommended replacement intervals: Reasons for replacing brake pads in pairs: You can replace all four brake pads at once, or just the front two or the rear two. However, it is not advisable to replace a single brake pad; it is best to replace them in pairs. Failing to do so may lead to issues such as uneven braking force, causing the vehicle to pull to one side. Brake pad replacement intervals: In most cases, the wear and lifespan of the front and rear brake pads differ under normal driving conditions. The front brake pads typically endure greater braking force, resulting in faster wear and a shorter lifespan—generally requiring replacement every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. On the other hand, the rear brake pads experience less braking force and thus last longer, usually needing replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers.

[MacBrody]

Last month, I encountered this exact situation and specifically consulted an experienced auto mechanic. Actually, you don't need to replace all four brake pads at once - the key is to check the wear condition. Front brake pads typically wear faster, so it's common to replace the front pair first; rear pads wear slower and can be replaced later. However, the mechanic emphasized that you must replace pads in pairs on the same axle - never replace just one side! In my case, the left front pad was worn thin while the right front still had half its thickness left, so I replaced the front pair. If all four pads show similar wear, then it's advisable to replace them all at once to maintain even braking force. Checking is simple - just look at the pad thickness through the wheel spokes; if it's less than 3mm, it's time for replacement.

[Vincent]

As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I've changed brake pads seven or eight times. There's no need to listen to repair shops trying to upsell you on full replacements! The key is to check the actual wear difference. Typically, front wheels bear 70% of braking force and may need replacement every 2 years, while rear wheels can last 3-4 years. I have a practical method: gently apply the brakes and feel if the steering wheel vibrates – uneven pad wear on one side will cause vibration. Also, vehicle pulling during braking is another warning sign. Remember, both pads on the same axle must be replaced together, otherwise uneven braking force can be dangerous. Just last week, I checked my daughter's car – her rear pads still had 5mm thickness and definitely didn't need replacement.

[McHarper]

When replacing brake pads, three factors should be considered: wear level, cost, and safety. Front brake pads wear about 1.5 times faster than rear ones, and simultaneous wear on all four wheels is rare. In most cases, prioritize replacing the front pair first, then replace the rear pair when they reach their wear limit. However, be aware that a significant difference in friction coefficients between new and old pads can cause braking imbalance, so it's recommended to replace the entire set when all four pads are below 2mm. Last time I had my car serviced, the technician measured the thickness and found the left rear pad still had 4mm left, saving me 800 yuan directly.