Types of Brake Pads and Which Should You Use

Types of Brake Pads and Which Should You Use

Ensuring your vehicle can stop safely is crucial, making the selection of appropriate brake pads paramount. This component applies pressure and friction to brake rotors, enabling a car to stop.

Brake pads consist of steel backing plates with friction-based material on their surface. Housed in the brake caliper, their friction surfaces face the rotor. When brakes are applied, the caliper clamps the pads onto the spinning rotor, causing the vehicle to slow down or stop, depending on the pressure applied.

Insufficient brake pads can lead to worn wheels, reduced braking power, and ultimately, a compromised braking system. While most drivers just want their brake pads to pass an annual inspection, understanding the types of brake pads available can help you select the best option for your vehicle.

Semi-Metallic

Semi-metallic brake pads, commonly found on many vehicles, contain 30% to 65% metal, including steel wool, wire, and copper. These materials are bound by organic resin, molded into shapes, and baked for durability.

These pads are heat-resistant and easier on rotors compared to ceramic pads. They are less expensive and suitable for heavy braking over long distances, making them ideal for high-performance race cars. However, they perform poorly in extremely low temperatures, so they're not ideal for use in very cold climates.

For those interested in high-performance vehicles, semi-metallic pads are a fitting choice.

For more information about commercial brake pads, feel free to contact a commercial brake pads supplier.

Ceramic

Ceramic brake pads, often found on supercars, offer excellent braking by absorbing heat efficiently. They are made from ceramic fibers and similar materials, and are cleaner and quieter than others.

These pads last longer and outperform organic pads. However, they take longer to reach an optimal operating temperature, making them less suitable for everyday vehicles that don’t achieve high performance heat regularly.

Low-Metallic NAO

Low-Metallic NAO pads are made from an organic formula mixed with 10% to 30% copper or steel, improving heat transfer. They are noisier and produce more dust due to the added metal content but provide better braking performance.

Non-Asbestos Organic

Non-Asbestos Organic brake pads are made from organic materials, which used to include asbestos before it was replaced due to health concerns. Modern versions contain fiberglass, rubber, or Kevlar, and resins like cellulose.

These pads are softer, relatively quiet, and easier on brake discs, but they wear out quickly and are only suitable for day-to-day driving. Kevlar versions, despite being more expensive, offer fewer drawbacks.

Which Brake Pads Should You Use?

Research is essential when choosing brake pads. Consult your local garage, read forums, and understand the pros and cons of each type.

Lighter, compact vehicles are often best suited to organic brake pads, which offer the required stopping power with minimal noise and are relatively inexpensive.

Medium-sized cars may benefit from Low-Metallic NAO pads, though they produce more noise.

If you own a sports car, semi-metallic or high-performance ceramic brake pads are ideal to ensure you can stop quickly after rapid acceleration.

Lorry drivers or those carrying heavy loads may need pads with higher metal content or even severe duty pads for additional protection.

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Brake pads have an average lifespan of around 50,000 miles. Newer models have a warning light for necessary changes, but other signs include loud screeching, bad vibrations, obvious wear, and a car’s tendency to pull to one side.

Regularly check your brake pads; their condition is more important than you might think.

MAT Foundry Group is a leading manufacturer of grey and ductile iron car components. To learn more about us, view our products or contact us today.