Should Front And Rear Brake Pads Be Changed Together?
There’s plenty riding on your car’s brakes. Your safety-and that of other drivers on the road-depends on your ability to stop when needed. So at the first sign of brake problems, you may wonder if it’s necessary to replace the brakes on all four wheels at once. If you too are curious, here is some information that will help you decide.
How Brake Pads Work
All automobiles have two sets of brake pads: one on the front and another on the rear. Your brake pads perform much of the heavy lifting when it comes to stopping or slowing down your car. Since they come into almost constant contact with your rotors, they are subject to a great deal of wear and tear.
The front and back pads work together whenever you apply pressure on your brake pedal. Even so, your front pads work harder, applying more pressure to the rotors than your back pads. Accordingly, you can expect your front pads to wear out much sooner than your rear ones.
Should I Replace All my Brake Pads at Once?
Since front and rear brake pads wear at different rates, is it really necessary to change out all four at once? The answer is: probably not. Most experts recommend changing out your brake pads whenever they measure between 3 mm and 4 mm. In some cases, that could mean that you would need to replace all four, but other times you might be able to replace only one set or the other.
If you’re not sure, we advise having a brake inspection performed. During a brake inspection, we will check the condition of your brake pads, calipers, rotors, and other brake system components. Only then can we determine the appropriate brake repair to keep you and your family safe.
Warning Signs
A brake inspection can let you know whether it is time to replace your front or back brake pads. However, there are certain warning signs that will tell you your brake pads are wearing out. A few things to look for include:
- A squealing or grinding noise whenever you hit the brakes
- Vibration or shaking in your steering column
- Needing to stomp on the brakes to get your car to stop
- A grabbing sensation while trying to stop
Reliable Brake Service in Katy and Houston Tx
Brake problems will only get worse over time. Don’t wait until you are unable to slow down or stop at all. At the first sign of trouble, head to Horeb Auto Repair. Our well-trained mechanics can perform an inspection, and make any necessary auto repair. We’ll get you going as safely and quickly as possible, so contact us today at (832) 767-0672 to schedule your appointment.
