Types of brake pads and which one should you use?
Brake pads are a critical component of a vehicle's braking system, responsible for creating the friction necessary to slow down or stop the vehicle when the brakes are applied. There are several types of brake pads available, each with its own characteristics and advantages.
The choice of brake pads depends on factors such as driving style, vehicle type, intended use, and personal preferences. Here are the common types of brake pads:
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads:
Composed of a mix of metal fibers, friction materials, and fillers bound together with a resin.
Offer better heat dissipation and higher braking performance compared to organic pads.
Can handle higher temperatures and are suitable for more demanding driving conditions.
Tend to be noisier and generate more brake dust than organic pads.
Used in a wide range of vehicles, from daily drivers to some performance-oriented applications.
Ceramic Brake Pads:
Consist of ceramic fibers, bonding agents, and filler materials.
Provide excellent braking performance across a wide temperature range.
Generate less noise and dust compared to semi-metallic pads.
Offer good durability and longer pad life.
Generally preferred for luxury vehicles, high-performance cars, and SUVs.
Can be more expensive than other types of brake pads.
Low-Metallic NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic) Brake Pads:
Contain a mix of organic materials and small amounts of metal.
Offer better heat dissipation and braking performance compared to organic pads.
Can be noisy and generate more dust, but less than semi-metallic pads.
Often used in vehicles that require improved performance over organic pads, but without the drawbacks of excessive noise and dust.
Carbon-Ceramic Brake Pads:
Usually found in high-performance and exotic cars.
Consist of a mixture of carbon fibers and ceramic materials.
Provide exceptional braking performance, heat resistance, and fade resistance.
Expensive but offer superior performance for aggressive driving and track use.
The choice of brake pads depends on your driving needs and preferences. If you're looking for everyday driving with minimal noise and dust, organic or low-metallic pads might be suitable. For improved performance and better heat dissipation, semi-metallic or ceramic pads could be better choices. If you drive a high-performance vehicle or engage in aggressive driving, ceramic or carbon-ceramic pads might be more appropriate.
It's important to consult your vehicle's manual and, if necessary, seek advice from a professional mechanic to determine the best type of brake pads for your specific vehicle and driving habits.