Should Brake Pads Be Replaced Along with Brake Discs?

[DelAustin]

Whether to replace brake pads along with brake discs depends on the wear condition of both components. If the brake pads have been recently replaced and show minimal wear, there is no need to replace them. Brake pads play a crucial role in braking and are composed of a steel plate, adhesive heat insulation layer, and friction material. The steel plate undergoes anti-rust coating, with the coating process monitored by a furnace temperature tracker to ensure quality by detecting temperature distribution. Steps for replacing brake pads: 1. Release the handbrake, loosen the hub bolts of the wheel requiring brake service, and use a jack to lift the car and remove the tire; 2. Remove the tire to expose the brake caliper and disc, applying lubricant to loosen any screws or nuts that need to be removed; 3. Secure the brake caliper with a rope and remove the old brake pads; 4. Open the hood and unscrew the cap of the brake fluid reservoir; 5. Install the new brake pads in the correct position.

[OLeo]

After years of working as a mechanic, I've noticed many car owners struggle with this issue. When replacing brake rotors, it's not absolutely necessary to change the brake pads at the same time, but I strongly recommend doing so in most cases. The decision mainly depends on the wear condition of the brake pads; if you've measured the thickness and there's still plenty of material left, theoretically you could try replacing just the rotors. However, new rotors have a smooth surface that might not match well with old pads, potentially causing noise or reduced braking performance. From a practical standpoint, replacing both simultaneously avoids repeated work and can save some labor costs. Always have a professional shop check the wear – safety comes first. Driving habits also matter; frequent hard braking accelerates wear, making it better to replace both. Ultimately, don't cut corners – ensuring smooth brake system operation is crucial. Never compromise on safety.

[DakotaMarie]

Last time I took my car in for maintenance, the mechanic checked and said the brake discs were worn out and needed replacement. I asked if the pads needed to be changed too, and he said they were still thick and didn’t need immediate replacement. I trusted his advice, but after driving for two or three weeks, I noticed a slight squeaking sound when braking, which made me uneasy. When I went back to the shop, it turned out the old pads weren’t properly bedding in with the new discs and had already left marks on them. In the end, I had to make an extra trip to replace everything, costing more time and money. So I think it’s better to replace both at the same time to avoid future hassles. Brakes are crucial for driving safety—don’t take risks to save a little money. It’s best to find a reliable repair shop that uses professional tools to measure the thickness and decide based on the actual condition, but most of the time, replacing them together is more cost-effective and gives peace of mind.

[LeManuel]

From a cost-saving perspective, it's not mandatory to replace brake pads when changing brake rotors. If the brake pads have sufficient thickness—say, more than half remaining—continuing to use them can save some money. However, be mindful of the compatibility between new and old components; new rotors may be harder, causing uneven wear on the old pads, which could lead to reduced braking performance or even strange noises. In the long run, if issues arise, additional repairs might end up costing more. I recommend checking pad thickness during every maintenance service using calipers or having a mechanic assess them. Safety should always come first, as brake failures can have severe consequences. Therefore, in most cases, replacing both at the same time is the wiser choice when weighing the options.