Why Do I Need to Replace My Rear Brake Pads?

Just like many other parts of your car, rear brake pads have a certain amount of time that they can last. Brake pads are designed with a special material to hold-up to the heat and pressure produced when creating friction with the brake rotors to bring your vehicle to a stop. Over time this material will wear away completely, and if you don’t replace the brake pads in time, the metal housing will make contact with the brake rotors and severely damage your Volkswagen’s braking components.

Are Front Brake Pads Different from Rear Brake Pads?

Depending on the year your Volkswagen was made, your front brake pads could be drastically different than the rear. It is common in older model vehicles to see disc brakes in the front and drum brakes being used in the rear. However, today’s modern vehicles are usually equipped with disc brakes in both the front and rear of the vehicle. Your rear brake pads typically last longer than the front, as they don’t bear as much of the weight of the vehicle when braking.

How Often Do I Need to Get My Brake Pads Inspected And/or Replaced?

Every car has a different suggestion when it comes to rear brake maintenance. However, Volkswagen recommends that your rear brake pads be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. The range for when to change your rear brake pads is so vast due to the uncertainty of driving conditions. If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or haul heavy loads daily, you’ll need to change your rear brake pads sooner than if you didn’t do these things.