Regarding your brakes, the brake pads are second only to the rotors themselves. A brake pad is a plate made of steel and friction substances. This friction substance grabs onto the brake rotors and prevents the wheels from turning. Most novice drivers are clueless about how brakes work, but this article will give you a head start on finding the finest brake pads for your vehicle.
Disc and drum brake shoes
Getting the incorrect kind of brake pads might cause damage to your braking system, so it’s important to receive advice from a professional before making a purchase. For optimal stopping power, choose a brake pad made from the same material as your rotors. As a result, if you’re only changing your brake pads, it’s best to use the same material as the brake rotors to ensure even heat distribution.
Brake pads: semi-metallic vs. metallic
Because they are made with a metal alloy instead of a plastic backing, semi-metallic brake pads are more portable. Semi-metallic brake pads have a significant advantage over conventional ones since they are poor heat conductors. However, the most significant drawback of such pads is that they are often rather noisy and might cause rotor damage in damp circumstances.
While metallic pads may be more dependable under heavy pressure, they might be difficult to access. Metallic pads can withstand a lot of abuse before they wear out, and they may last up to 100,000 miles before needing to be replaced. In regular usage, semi-metallic brake pads may go up to 20,000 miles.
Is there a noticeable difference between asbestos and non-asbestos brake pads?
Despite its effectiveness as a friction material, asbestos has been phased out in favor of organic brake pads due to safety concerns. When the brakes are used, there is no noise at all. Organic brake pads tend to gather too much dust, so many people aren’t fond of them. They also wear out too rapidly, and it might be hard to acquire a regular supply.
Advantages of ceramic brake pads
In addition to metallic and organic pads, ceramic ones are also available. Because of its low density and high thermal conductivity, ceramic fiber is an excellent heat sink. It works best with ceramic brake rotors, allowing you to stop more quickly. They are pricey and easily broken when subjected to stress. Because of this, they are often only found in more expensive cars that are seldom used on rough roads.
How do I know what kind of brake pads to get?
The aforementioned recommendations for each vehicle type should serve as a starting point for your search, but additional factors must be considered. Choosing a brake pad generally involves weighing competing needs and making concessions. The pad with the finest stopping performance may be the noisiest and most dusty. You may prefer quieter pads, but the rotors will wear out faster because of the softer composition. In the end, there is no such thing as a universal brake pad.
Most manufacturers don’t want to share the specifics of their brake pad formulae, so they provide a selection of pads that work with various vehicles. Don’t, though, think of it as a straightforward comparison of “excellent,” “better,” and “best.” Even the costliest brake pads on the market won’t protect you and your passengers if they don’t perform adequately for your driving habits. Before deciding, consider the places you usually drive and the loads you usually transport. If possible, consult an expert.
