Why do rear brakes wear out faster?
Rear brakes typically wear out faster than front brakes due to the weight distribution of a vehicle and the physics of braking. The majority of a vehicle's weight is concentrated over the front wheels, which causes more braking force and wear on the front brakes compared to the rear.
Weight Distribution and Braking Forces
When a vehicle brakes, the weight of the vehicle shifts forward, putting more load on the front wheels and less on the rear wheels. This weight transfer causes the front brakes to do most of the work in slowing the vehicle down. The front brakes can account for up to 70-80% of the total braking force, while the rear brakes only contribute 20-30%.
This uneven distribution of braking forces means the front brake pads and discs wear out much faster than the rear. The rear brakes don't have to work as hard, so they experience less wear and tear over time.
Factors That Affect Rear Brake Wear
While the rear brakes generally wear out faster, there are a few factors that can influence the rate of rear brake wear:
- Vehicle type: Heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs tend to put more weight on the rear axle, causing the rear brakes to wear faster.
- Driving conditions: Aggressive or frequent braking, towing heavy loads, and driving in hilly terrain can all increase rear brake wear.
- Brake system design: Some vehicles are engineered with a more balanced brake system, which can help equalize wear between the front and rear brakes.
Despite these factors, the inherent weight distribution of a vehicle is the primary reason rear brakes typically wear out faster than front brakes.
How to tell if a brake caliper is bad?
Feeling things like:
- Your steering wheel pulling to one side while driving.
- Vibrations in the steering wheel when stopping.
- Vibrations in the brake pedal when releasing your foot off of the brake.
- Your car taking longer to stop or more pressure to slow down.
Why are my rear brakes wearing out faster?
Your rear disk brakes wear out faster, because your brakes, when applied, are designed to apply the front brakes first, then the rear brakes get applied for more stopping power.
Why are my rear brake pads wearing more than the front?
Rear brakes are usually smaller and thinner than the front ones since they deal with less force and weight. This means that they have less surface area and material to dissipate the heat generated by friction. As a result, the rear brakes can overheat faster and wear out quicker than the front ones.
How do you tell if you need new rotors?
The 10 most common signs that you may need new rotors include:
- Squealing sounds from the brakes.
- Longer stopping time.
- Steering wheel vibrates when braking.
- Brake pedal pulsates when braking.
- Banging sounds when braking.
- Scratched, scored, or grooved rotors.
- Large edge on the rotor's surface.
- Blue color on rotors.
What is the 30/30/30 rule for brakes?
Brake specialists advise initiating new brake pads by using a 30-30-30 method: Perform 30 gradual stops from 30 mph, allowing 30 seconds between each stop for the brakes to cool. This process protects against excessive heat buildup until the resins in the pads have completely cured.
How to tell if rotors are bad?
Some common symptoms of bad rotors include vibration or pulsation in the steering wheel, high-pitched squealing noise when braking, shaking steering wheel, brake pedal pulsing, vehicle taking a long time to stop, loud bangs while braking, large edges on the outer part of the brake rotor, and scratch marks on the rotor.
Why do rear brakes last so long?
However, note that in either case, the front brakes usually wear much more quickly than the rear ones. That's because there's typically more weight over the front wheels, which increases when more of the car's weight shifts forward under braking — adding more strain on the front brakes.
What if there is 20% left on brake pads?
If the pads look thin, less than 4 millimeters, or there's only 20% pad life left, it's time to get them replaced.
How to make rear brakes last longer?
5 Ways To Extend The Life of Your Brakes
- Invest in Quality Brake Pads.
- Coast Before Using Your Brake Pedal.
- Lighten Your Load.
- Avoid Heavy or Sudden Braking.
- Flush Your Brake Fluid Regularly.
How long should rear brakes last on a car?
Most car brakes will last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles–between three and six years for most daily drivers–but some sets may last even longer for those who exercise good habits.
