Should Front and Rear Brake Pads Be Replaced Together or Separately?

[Lonnie]

Front and rear brake pads do not need to be replaced together, as they have different replacement cycles. Compared to front brake pads, rear brake pads have a longer service life. Under normal driving conditions, front brake pads typically require replacement every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads can last around 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers before needing replacement. Below is relevant information about brake pads: Replacement Timing: There is no fixed time for replacing brake pads; the above figures are only approximate. The replacement cycle of brake pads is not only directly related to their service life but also depends on the vehicle's driving conditions and the driver's habits. New brake pads are approximately 1.5 centimeters thick. When they wear down to about one-third of their original thickness, or around 5 millimeters, they should be replaced promptly. When replacing brake pads, both pads on the same axle should be replaced together to ensure balanced braking performance on both sides. Materials: Brake pads are currently made from materials such as asbestos, high-carbon fiber, semi-metallic, ceramic, and others. Asbestos brake pads have been phased out, with semi-metallic and ceramic being the most common today. Semi-metallic pads are more affordable and widely used in household vehicles. Ceramic pads, on the other hand, offer better performance than metallic ones—they are more wear-resistant, heat-stable, and dissipate heat quickly, with a higher friction coefficient. However, they are also more expensive and are typically used in mid-to-high-end vehicle models.