One of the benefits of owning an EV is dramatically reduced brake wear. The Polestar 2's regenerative braking system does most of the deceleration work, meaning your friction brakes see far less use than on a comparable ICE vehicle.
How Long Do Polestar 2 Brake Pads Last?
Most owners report 80,000–120,000 km before needing a pad replacement, depending on driving style and how aggressively they use one-pedal driving. Drivers who use the "One Pedal Drive" mode extensively can see even longer pad life.
When to Replace
- Thickness: The minimum pad thickness is 2mm. Have them checked at your annual service.
- Noise: Squealing or grinding when braking on friction brakes.
- Uneven wear: If one side wears faster than the other, you may have a stuck caliper.
- Vibration: Pulsating brake pedal can indicate warped rotors (more common if brakes are used hard while cold).
The Rust Problem
Because the friction brakes are used so rarely, the rotors can develop surface rust — especially if the car sits in humid conditions. This is normal and typically clears after a few firm stops, but excessive buildup can pit the rotor surface.
Tip: Make a few deliberate moderate-force brake applications weekly to keep the rotors clean, even if you primarily rely on regen braking.
Parts
- Front pads: Volvo/Polestar part number 32373067 (or equivalent)
- Rear pads: Volvo/Polestar part number 32249079 (or equivalent)
- Rotors are shared with certain Volvo XC40/C40 models, making aftermarket options more available than you might expect.
DIY Difficulty
Moderate. The process is standard disc-brake pad replacement. The main consideration is putting the car into "Brake Service Mode" via the center display (Settings → Service → Brake Service Mode) to retract the electric parking brake calipers on the rear.