Choose the Right Brake Pads for Enhanced Road Safety

The number of vehicle owners with a complete disregard for their brakes, especially the brake pads and parts, is shocking. A well maintained braking system on a car is just as important as a well maintained engine. A set of good quality brakes will keep you safe on the roads and will help avoid accidents by a large margin. Most people tend to focus on how fast their vehicle can go from 0- 60, but it is just as important to know how fast they can go from 60 -0! It is thus important to ensure that the braking system -the brake pads in particular- are always in good working order.

How do brake pads work?

The basic operation of brake is to convert kinetic energy of the moving vehicle to thermal energy; this transfer of energy is aimed at slowing down the vehicle and eventually bringing it to a complete halt. Auto parts are placed on either sides of the rotor, and when the brakes are applied, the calipers squeeze the pads together, thus making contact with the rotors. Rotors are metal discs that are embedded within the wheel housing, whose sole purpose is to bring the vehicle. Commercial vehicles usually have no more than two calipers per disc rotor; however, racing vehicles have up to six such pads that have different frictional qualities to offer better braking action. The frequency of replacing brake pads and rotors varies greatly, depending on the type of brake pads used and the number of miles driven on average.

Some parts are available with a small central groove, which eventually disappears with use, indicating wear. Some pads feature a thin strip of soft metal embedded within the pad material that causes an audible squeal indicating the end of brake pad life. Higher end models have a special metal tab in the brake pads that closes a circuit when it comes in contact with the metal rotor, and lights up a warning light on the dash board.

Types of brake pads

There is no one size that fits all when it comes to brake pads & parts online. A choice in brake parts depends entirely on the types of vehicles and their applications. Brake pads are generally classified into four types, based on their material composition. They are:

1. Semi- Metallic Brake Pads: This is one of the most popular types of brake kits in the market. They contain 35 – 60% metal, which includes steel wool, iron and copper or graphite, bound by friction modifiers and inorganic fillers. Although they are quite durable and deliver optimal stopping action, these brake pads can prove to be noisy and deliver inadequate performance at lower temperatures.

2. Nano Asbestos Organic Brake Parts: Also known organic brake pads or NAO, these are made from organic fibers and comprise of materials such as carbon, glass, Kevlar, etc. that are bound by filler materials and high temperature resins. This soft material offers quitter operation, but also creates more brake dust.

3. Low- Metallic NAO Brake Pads: They comprise of 10 – 30% of metal- usually copper or steel. These brake kits offer better heat transfer compared to the organic brake pads, thus ensuring better quality braking. However, an increased concentration of metal results in noise and increases wearing of the rotors.

4. Ceramic Brake Pads: The newest invention on the block, the ceramic brake pads are well known for their quieter operation and longer life. Made of ceramic fibers, non-ferrous filler materials, and sometimes a very low concentration of metal, they offer excellent braking actions.

Choosing the right type of brake pads and parts

With the large selection of options available in the markets, it becomes hard for a consumer to choose the right brake pads that suits his or her vehicle. Different vehicles have different braking requirements, and thus the right choice in brake pads is of paramount importance.

Light Compact Cars: Small cars don’t require much stopping power to bring the vehicle to a halt. They are quiet and inexpensive and offer enough stopping power. The only down side is the buildup of brake dust, which has to be cleaned frequently.

Mid-Sized Cars: Low metallic NAO brake kits are recommended for slightly larger cars. Their metal content delivers optimal braking action, but at the expense of noisier operations.

Sport Cars: Semi-metallic or ceramic brake pad are best suited for sports cars that need enormous stopping power to bring the vehicle to a halt from greater speeds.

Trucks, SUV’s and Vans: Considering the increased weight of these vehicles, it is recommended to install upgraded or heavy duty brake pads for optimal braking power.

Fighting brake noise with shims

One of the biggest complaints of commercial grade brake pads is the shrill noise that occurs during braking. Apart from ceramic pads, the other three types of brake pads are notoriously famous for this noise. Brake shims are thin metal or rubber strips that are fitted between the brake pads and the rotors to help even out minor inconsistencies between the rotor and the pads. This contraption felicitates firm braking and dampens any vibrations and noise that may be produced during braking action. Shims provide a thermal barrier between the rotor and the pads, and ensure even heat transfer across both surfaces, thus delivering consistent braking every time.

It is important to periodically check the condition of the brake and replace them at recommended intervals. This will ensure that the braking system is not over working when bringing your vehicle to a halt, thus inhibiting unnecessary wear of internal braking parts.

Linger no longer; check out the different kinds of brake pads and parts available for grabs online and in offline auto part stores. Right away!

Long Chad is a Project Manager in Brake Needs and also managed the show at an auto spare parts store, brake pads, ceramic brake pads. His write-ups are knowledgeable and helpful.