Should You Replace All Four Pair of Brake Pads at Once?

While the cost of brake pad replacement can vary, those pads are essential for your safety and brake maintenance. But do you need to replace all eight (four per axle) brake pads when getting yours serviced, or can you just replace the two front pair? Let’s look at the benefits of changing all four when it’s time to service your brakes.

Understanding Brake Pads & Their Role

Your vehicle has one of two types of brakes: disc and drum. Disc brakes can be found on the front and rear of many of today’s cars and trucks. Drum brakes, when installed by the manufacturer, are often found on the back wheels.

Disc brakes use a caliper fitted with brake pads that press against a disc or rotor. The friction between the pad and the rotor helps bring your vehicle to a stop. Over time, that friction wears down the pads. That’s when they need to be replaced.

Your replacement options include organic brake pads, semi-metallic brake pads, and ceramic brake pads. Learn more about the types of brake pads available and how long they last.

Signs That You Need New Brake Pads

While brake pads don’t have a set lifespan and can last anywhere from 18,000 to 60,000 miles, we recommend having them checked annually.

If your brakes feel spongy, a brake light appears on your dashboard, you hear grinding or other noises, or your brakes feel “off,” head to your local Les Schwab or brake repair shop immediately. Leaving brake issues unresolved is both dangerous and could cost you more in the long run. For instance, waiting to replace the pads can impact your brakes when you need them most and damage other parts of your baking system, including the rotors.

Benefits of Replacing All Four Pair of Brake Pads Simultaneously

The frequency of brake pad replacement depends on your vehicle, driving habits, and brake pad type. Additionally, front and rear disc brakes wear at different rates. In most cases, the front pads wear down more quickly than the back. It’s all thanks to physics. When you stop, the weight of your car or truck shifts forward, causing your front brakes to do most of the work.

However, just changing the front pads and not the rear pads can, in some cases, cause your new brakes to wear down too quickly. That’s because the back brake pads will not be as thick as the front, making the front brakes work extra hard. Replacing all four pair of brake pads can help your brakes work better and save you money.

• Better Braking: New front pads are thicker than rear pads. When you change all four pair of pads at the same time, they will wear more evenly, giving you better braking performance.
• Time Savings: While there are added costs, it’s efficient to replace all four pair of pads as opposed to just those in the front.

Les Schwab Knows Brake Pads

Your brakes should top the list when it comes to vehicle maintenance. The professionals at Les Schwab have been inspecting and servicing brakes for decades. Stop by your local Les Schwab for a free visual inspection. If we don’t find any reason to replace yours, we’ll send you on your way. When your brakes need attention, we’ll give you a quote and show you your options.