Do you need to change brake pads and discs together?

When car owners face brake issues, they often wonder if changing pads alone is enough. Delaying the right choice can create bigger costs, safety risks, and frustration.

You should usually change brake pads and discs together because matched replacement improves braking safety, reduces wear, and saves money in the long run by avoiding repeated labor and uneven damage.

When I work with distributors and customers, I see the same question appear again and again. Replacing only one part looks cheaper in the short term, but long-term results often prove different. Let’s explore the details.

%[brake pads and discs replacement](https://runexauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Runex-Auto-OEM-Brake-Pads.jpg"brake pads and discs replacement")

Do I need to replace my brake discs along with new pads or not?

Many drivers think new pads alone will restore braking power. I once thought the same, until I saw how fast fresh pads wore out on old discs.

You usually need to replace discs with pads because worn surfaces create uneven contact, faster wear, noise, and weaker braking. Fresh discs and pads together ensure smooth performance, safety, and longer lifespan.

Why Pads Alone Fail

When pads are new but discs are worn, the surface contact is uneven. This reduces braking efficiency and damages pads quickly.

Runex Auto’s Advantage

Runex Auto brake pads are designed to perform best when matched with discs in good condition. Pads rely on smooth surfaces for even friction.

Comparison Table

My Deeper View

I’ve found that replacing pads with worn discs is often a false economy—it costs more down the line when old pad patterns damage new discs and you pay double labor. Matching fresh pads and rotors together improves braking performance¹ and cuts service costs. A client once tried to save money by changing only pads. Within months, uneven discs wore them out fast, causing noise and complaints. When we replaced both pads and discs together, braking felt smoother, lasted longer, and he finally realized it saved him money overall. In my experience, pads and discs² are partners. They wear together and should be renewed together for consistent safety and value.

Is 20% brake pad bad?

Drivers often ask if they can keep pads until the last few millimeters. I know many think 20% means “still usable.”

20% brake pad is bad because braking ability is reduced, risks of overheating grow, and pads may fail suddenly. It is safer and more cost-effective to replace before they drop below 25%.

Why 20% Is Risky

At 20%, pads generate excess heat and may crack or glaze.

Runex Auto’s Position

Runex Auto pads are built for long-lasting durability, but even the best pad loses performance when it gets that thin.

Pad Wear and Performance

Extended Perspective

When pads reach 20%, their ability to handle emergency stops drops sharply. Heat builds faster, and discs also suffer. In practice, I have seen cars with 20% pads³ show brake fade on steep roads. The driver thinks the brakes are fine until one sudden stop reveals the weakness. Replacing early saves discs from damage and avoids accidents. Procurement managers and distributors understand this: they want products that keep customers safe, not just running. That is why Runex Auto emphasizes timely replacement⁴ with certified pads that meet global standards. They give distributors confidence that customers will return satisfied, not with complaints about noise or failure.

What happens if you don't bed in disc brakes?

I once met a workshop owner who skipped bedding in after every replacement. Within weeks, clients complained of squeaks and poor braking.

If you don’t bed in new disc brakes, pads and discs will wear unevenly, friction will be inconsistent, and braking performance will feel weak and noisy. Proper bedding ensures smooth contact and longer life.

Why Bedding In Matters

Pads and discs need a layer of even transfer film to match surfaces. Without it, hotspots form.

Runex Auto’s Guidance

Runex Auto⁵ recommends proper bedding for every brake pad installation. It allows pads to deliver their designed friction level.

With vs. Without Bedding

Deeper Understanding

Bedding in is not optional. It is the process that makes pads and discs function⁶ as a unit. In my work, I saw how clients who ignored this step faced higher warranty claims. Noise, vibration, and uneven wear all trace back to poor bedding. Suppliers like Runex Auto train distributors to explain this to workshops. A strong product must be matched with correct use. Even the best pad cannot overcome misuse. By promoting correct bedding practices, Runex Auto helps distributors reduce returns, strengthen trust, and ensure that customers experience the true quality of the product.

How do I tell if my brake discs need replacing?

Sometimes drivers ask if they can just “look at” discs. I tell them it takes more than a glance.

You can tell brake discs need replacing if they show grooves, cracks, warping, thickness below limits, or vibrations during braking. Ignoring these signs risks damage to pads and reduced safety.

Signs of Worn Discs

• Deep grooves or scoring
• Blue discoloration from heat
• Pulsation when braking⁷
• Disc thickness below minimum⁸

Runex Auto’s Point

Even with durable Runex Auto pads, discs must be checked regularly. Pads cannot perform well on damaged discs.

Disc Condition Table

In-Depth View

Discs wear slowly, so many drivers ignore the signs. Yet ignoring them risks both safety and extra costs. I worked with a client who thought vibration was “normal aging.” After inspection, discs were warped. Pads had uneven wear and squealed. Replacing discs solved the problem immediately. Matching discs with Runex Auto pads produced smooth braking and restored customer trust. Distributors must educate customers that disc replacement is not a luxury but a safety need. Clear guidelines and consistent checks prevent accidents and save money long-term.

Conclusion

Replacing brake pads and discs ⁹ together is not just about parts. It is about safety, savings, and long-term trust. Pads alone may look cheaper, but paired replacement ensures performance and protects investments. With Runex Auto pads, customers get durable, certified quality—but only when combined with good discs, proper bedding, and timely checks do they achieve full performance.