Should brake pads be replaced all four at the same time?
2 Answers
Brake pads are not necessarily replaced all four at the same time. You can choose to replace all four brake pads, or just the front two or the rear two. However, brake pads should not be replaced individually; it's recommended to replace them in pairs to avoid issues like vehicle pulling caused by uneven braking force. In a car's braking system, brake pads are crucial safety components that play a decisive role in braking performance. Brake pads typically consist of a steel plate, adhesive insulation layer, and friction block. The steel plate undergoes anti-rust coating, with the coating process monitored by SMT4 oven temperature tracking instruments to ensure quality by detecting temperature distribution. The insulation layer is made of non-heat-conductive materials for heat insulation, while the friction block comprises friction materials and adhesives. During braking, the friction block is pressed against the brake disc or drum to create friction, thereby achieving vehicle deceleration and braking.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I place great emphasis on driving safety. Regarding whether brake pads should be replaced all four at once, I'd strongly recommend a full replacement. Why? Because replacing only two or partial pads can lead to uneven braking force distribution, especially on slippery roads or during emergency stops, potentially causing vehicle instability and increasing accident risks. Moreover, new brake pads require a break-in period - if not all are replaced, the older pads may wear out faster, compromising overall performance. I suggest using calipers to check wear thickness during each maintenance service. If one or two pads show significant wear, replace all four immediately to ensure braking system consistency. This approach gives peace of mind while driving and significantly reduces accident potential.
