Should Front and Rear Brake Pads Be Replaced Together?
3 Answers
Front and rear brake pads are not replaced together, as they differ in replacement cycles. Under normal driving conditions, front brake pads typically need replacement every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads can last approximately 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers before requiring replacement. There is no fixed timeframe for brake pad replacement, as the cycle depends not only on the service life of the brake pads but also on the vehicle's driving conditions and individual driving habits. New brake pads are about 15 millimeters thick and should be replaced promptly when worn down to one-third of their original thickness, or around 5 millimeters. When replacing brake pads, both pads on the same axle must be replaced simultaneously to ensure balanced braking performance on both sides.
I noticed that front and rear brake pads usually don't need to be replaced together, as the front brakes handle about 70% of the braking task, wearing out much faster than the rear pads. From my observation, when most vehicles need front pad replacement, the rear pads often still have considerable life left. Blindly replacing them together not only wastes money but may also mask other issues, such as brake disc warping or caliper malfunctions. Driving habits also significantly affect wear, with city driving accelerating the process. I recommend having the technician measure the thickness during each maintenance service. If the front pads wear down to around 1 millimeter, they should be replaced, while the rear pads can be addressed as needed. This approach saves money and ensures safety—brake system failures are serious matters that shouldn't be taken lightly.
After years of repairing cars, I've found that it's rare to replace both front and rear brake pads together unless the car is old or driven particularly aggressively. Usually, the front pads wear out first, and every time I replace the front pads on my own car, the rear ones are still thick. Professional mechanics say that many cars now have electronic distribution systems, which slow down the wear on the rear pads. The key is to check more often—I've developed a habit of checking every 5,000 kilometers, which saves money and gives peace of mind. Replacing brake pads haphazardly can also cause strange noises or reduced effectiveness. Don't underestimate these small things; they are crucial to the safety and performance of the entire vehicle.
