Foto di Liza Lova
Brake pads are an essential part of any braking system. When a potentially dangerous circumstance happens, they are the greatest friends you could ask for. Because of the continual friction caused by using the brakes, brake pads have a finite lifespan. Knowing when they need to be replaced, what might be used in their place, and how to assess their present state is crucial. Here we will walk you through the whole process of purchasing new brake pads for your car.
To what extent do different brake pad materials affect stopping distance?
There are primarily four distinct varieties of brake pads on the market, differentiated by their construction and materials. The construction, functionality, pricing, and longevity of these products vary greatly. Each has its own advantages and limitations in various driving contexts, making it essential to choose the right one. Let’s have a firm grasp on the differences between them before we try to figure out which one is best for your car.
Brake pads made of semimetal
These are also known as metallic brake pads because they include a high percentage of metal (anything from 30 to 70 percent) in addition to other materials like steel wool, copper, graphite, iron, etc. As a result of their superior stopping power, semi-metallic brake pads are widely used in commercial vehicles. Metallic brake pads have a high resistance to wear and may be used for a very long period. Big-duty vehicles that tow or haul heavy loads benefit greatly from these brake pads because of their durability and reliability.
On the downside, they are heavier than other alternatives and may be damaging to the brake rotors, as well as being less effective as the temperature lowers. Therefore, they are not suitable for persons who often experience frigid conditions or who have demanding performance needs.
Anti-skid ceramic pads
Ideal properties for a brake pad include excellent heat dissipation, increased wear resistance, and reduced dust. Ceramic materials meet all of these criteria. They weigh less than other brands yet being of comparable thickness for stopping power. All these advantages, however, come at a very high cost and are best suited for high-performance sports cars.
Organic non-asbestos brake pads
Organic materials are used in the production of NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic) brake pads, which were developed to reduce emissions from brake pad wear. Organic resin-bonded brake pads are produced with little environmental impact in mind. In today’s vehicles, organic brake pads are used. These pads are created from many natural materials like glass, rubber, and even kevlar.
The disposal of these materials is simple and they do not contribute to pollution when they wear out. The primary issue is that they can’t be utilized for high-performance or industrial settings due to the organic components they’re produced from wearing out too quickly. These brake pads were designed for tiny cars and sedans that seldom go out of town and only encounter average road and weather conditions.
Please advise me on the best brake pads for my vehicle
You’ve taken the first step in the correct path by learning about the various brake pad options. The best stopping power and vehicle security come from using brake pads designed specifically for your car.
Finding out what kind of brake pads are currently on your car is the first step in selecting a new pair. This check will help you avoid wasting a lot of time the first time you replace your OEM brake pads. In addition, if you find that your vehicle’s aftermarket brake pads have outlived their usefulness, you may easily switch them out for a new pair. The following brake pad setups are recommended, depending on the kind of vehicle you drive. Nonetheless, as will be shown in the next section, there are a great deal of additional considerations to be made.
