Do Brake Pads Come In Pairs? Are There Any Exceptions?

So, do brake pads come in pairs? Should you replace them all at once? Can’t you purchase a single brake pad? Answers to these things are mostly required by rookie drivers, so today we will be clarifying such doubts. If you are also curious to know, join this discussion!

Do Brake Pads come in pairs?

Yes, generally, brake pads come in pairs. In our experience with vehicle upkeep, we’ve found several key reasons why brake pads come in pairs. 

Why Do Brake Pads Sold in Pairs?

• Balanced Braking for Safety – It is always recommended to use two brake pads on each side of the rotor. This ensures your car brakes evenly, preventing it from swerving dangerously.
• Uniform Wear and Performance – From what we’ve seen, pads on the same axle wear out at about the same rate. So, replacing both ensures your brakes work smoothly and reliably.
• Ease of Maintenance – It’s much simpler to change both pads at the same time. The reason why, it avoids confusion and makes sure you don’t miss any crucial steps.
• Effective Packaging and Inventory – Manufacturers and retailers find it easier to manage pairs of pads. This also makes it simpler for you to buy the right parts.

While you often buy brake pads in pairs, rotors are usually sold individually because they don’t always wear out evenly. However, we recommend checking both rotors when you change your pads to ensure everything is in top shape.

How Many Brake Pads Per Wheel?

Most cars have a standard brake setup with two pads per wheel, but we’ve seen some exceptions in our experience with different vehicles. As a general rule, each wheel of standard cars typically has two brake pads. These pads press against the rotor, helping your car slow down when you hit the brakes.

Check the exceptional situations below.

1. High-Performance Sports Cars: We’ve noticed these often have a more complex system. They might use multiple pistons in each caliper, and each piston might need its own pad. So, you could find more than two pads per wheel in these high-end models.
2. Older Cars with Drum Brakes: In our time working with classic cars, we’ve seen that these use brake shoes instead of pads. Usually, there are two shoes per drum brake.

What Happens When I Don’t Change Brake Pads in Pairs?

If you do not change your brake pads in pairs, it can lead to numerous risks. From our experience in vehicle maintenance, we’ve seen firsthand the dangers of ignoring this:

1. Uneven Braking: When one pad is worn out, the car often pulls to one side during braking. This is risky, especially in sudden stops.
2. Longer Stopping Distances: Worn pads mean you need more roads to stop your car. In emergencies, every second counts.
3. Faster Wear on Brakes: Uneven braking causes the newer pads to work harder and wear out sooner. It also strains other brake parts like rotors and calipers.
4. Lower Fuel Efficiency: Believe it or not, worn pads can make your car use more fuel. This happens because of increased drag from uneven braking.
5. Safety Hazard: The biggest risk is brake failure. This is rare, but it’s a serious threat to everyone on the road.

Should the Brake Pads be the Same Brand and Type on Both Sides?

Yes, when replacing brake pads, it’s highly recommended to use the same brand and type on both sides of the vehicle.  We say this because it ensures consistent performance, balance, and safety.

Different brands and types of brake pads can have varying friction coefficients, materials, and wear rates, which might lead to uneven braking. Uneven braking can cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, increased wear on the brake system, and potentially compromise vehicle safety.

Using the same brand and type of brake pads on both sides ensures that each wheel responds similarly under braking conditions. This uniformity is crucial for maintaining the stability and handling of your vehicle, especially in emergency braking situations. Therefore, for optimal safety and performance, always replace brake pads in pairs using the same brand and type for each axle.

Lakith

Meet Lakith, the driving force behind MyGasMagazine.com. A seasoned mechanic with over 7 years of hands-on experience in our family-run Gas Mag Garage, Lakith combines his technical expertise with a deep passion for cars. His journey in the automotive world began alongside his father, learning the intricacies of car repair and maintenance. Today, as the founder of MyGasMagazine.com, Lakith shares his wealth of knowledge, offering readers a unique blend of practical advice, industry insights, and engaging stories from the vibrant car culture of Sri Lanka.