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When your car starts squealing every time you brake or your stopping distance seems longer than usual, it's probably time to replace your brake pads,  But here’s a question many drivers ask:

Should you replace all four brake pads at once or just the worn ones

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about brake pad replacement, including how they work, how they wear over time, and whether replacing all your brake pads at once is necessary for safety and performance.

What Are Brake Pads and How Do They Work

Brake pads are essential components of your vehicle’s braking system. On most vehicles, there are two brake pads per wheel - one on the inside and one on the outside of the rotor -  totaling eight brake pads on a four-wheel vehicle.

When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure activates the brake calipers, which squeeze the pads against the brake rotors (the spinning metal discs attached to your wheels). This contact creates friction, which slows your car down safely.

Do Brake Pads Wear Evenly

Not exactly. Your front brake pads usually wear out faster than your rear ones due to the physics of braking. When you hit the brakes, your car’s weight shifts forward, applying more pressure to the front brakes.

It's also possible for one side (driver or passenger) to wear faster than the other. If that’s happening, it may indicate an issue with your calipers, rotors, or suspension. Uneven brake pad wear should be inspected by a professional to prevent further damage or unsafe driving conditions.

Tip: Always schedule a brake inspection if you notice uneven wear or feel your car pulling to one side when braking.

 Do Brake Pads Wear Faster in Hot Climates Like The UAE

Yes!  brake pads tend to wear out more quickly in hot climates due to the increased heat generated during braking. High ambient temperatures, combined with stop-and-go traffic common in warmer regions, can cause brake components to overheat more frequently. Excessive heat can reduce the efficiency of the brake pad material, leading to faster wear and a greater risk of brake fade. Drivers in hot climates like Dubai, Sharjah & across the UAE hould monitor their brakes more closely and consider more frequent inspections or choosing heat-resistant brake pads to maintain safe braking performance.

Signs Your Brake Pads Need Replacing

Here are some common symptoms of worn brake pads:

• Squeaking, squealing or grinding sounds
• A soft or spongy brake pedal
• Brake pedal vibration (pulsation)
• Increased stopping distance
• Grooves or scoring on brake rotors
• Vehicle pulling to one side when braking

If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's time to get your brakes checked and replaced if necessary.

Should You Replace All Brake Pads at Once

Not always, but it depends.

Minimum Recommendation: Replace Brake Pads Per Axle

At the very least, you should replace brake pads in pairs per axle - either both front or both rear.

 For example, if your front left brake pad is worn, replace both the front left and front right pads to ensure balanced braking and even wear.

Best Practice: Replace All Four Sets Together

If your front and rear pads are worn or if you're aiming for optimal braking performance, it's a good idea to replace all four pairs (eight pads total) at once. This ensures:

• Even brake performance
• Reduced risk of uneven wear
• Better balance and safety
• Fewer visits to the repair shop

 Important: If you’re already having the brakes serviced professionally, doing all four sets at once could save time and money in the long run.

Frequently Asked Brake Questions

1. Do All Cars Have Brakes on All Four Wheels?

Yes. Modern vehicles are equipped with brakes on all four wheels to ensure balanced stopping power and safety.

2. Are Front and Rear Brake Pads the Same?

No. Front brake pads are typically larger and made from stronger materials, as they handle more of the braking load. Rear brake pads are usually smaller and designed to stabilize the vehicle during braking.

3. What Happens If You Don’t Replace Worn Brake Pads?

Worn brake pads can’t generate enough friction to stop your car effectively. Eventually, the metal backing may grind into the rotor, causing:

• Rotor damage or warping
• Reduced braking performance
• Safety hazards on the road
• Expensive repair bills

4. Should You Replace Brake Rotors When Replacing Pads?

Not always. Brake pads wear out faster than rotors. However, if your rotors are warped, deeply grooved, or too thin, they should be replaced or resurfaced.

Remember: If you're replacing rotors, always install new pads at the same time.

 Is Your Vehicle at Its Braking Point?

Regular brake maintenance is essential for your safety and your vehicle's longevity. If you're unsure whether to replace your front pads, rear pads, or all four sets, the best course of action is to schedule a professional brake inspection.

Key Takeaways

• Always replace brake pads in pairs (both sides of an axle)
• Replacing all four sets provides better safety and balance
• Don’t ignore signs of brake wear — early action saves money
• Replace rotors if they’re damaged or worn too thin

At European Autospares we have OEM & Aftermarket brake pads for all luxury European cars, you can view our range of options HERE