Few car safety components are as vital as your brake pads. While many drivers may only think about their brakes during yearly checkups or when that telltale grating sound starts, knowing the various kinds of brake pads and their uses may substantially affect your safety and driving experience. Let’s explore the different types of brake pads and how to choose the best one suited for your needs.
Various types of car brake pads
Brake pads are steel-backed plates with friction material attached to their surface. They transfer kinetic and thermal energy when you press the brake pedal. The pads are located in the brake calliper, with their friction surfaces pointed towards the rotor.
When you use your brakes, the calliper clamps these pads onto the spinning rotor, causing friction that slows or stops your car, depending on the pressure exerted.
Here are the various types of brake pads:
1. Semi-metallic brake pads
Generally, semi-metallic brake pads have between 30% and 70% metal content. They include steel wool, wire, copper, and other metallic materials linked with organic resin. These pads excel in endurance and heat resistance, making them perfect for high-performance automobiles.
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Excellent heat resistance and durability
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May respond badly to severe low temperatures
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Easier on rotors than ceramic alternatives
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It can be louder than other kinds
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Typically more affordable than other choices
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Produce more brake dust
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Provide substantial braking power over lengthy durations
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2. Ceramic brake pads
Ceramic brake pads, constructed from ceramic fibres and related fill materials, represent the top alternative in the braking market. They absorb heat from severe stops while operating more silently than other pad varieties.
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Consistent performance under diverse driving conditions
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Significantly more costly
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Quieter functioning than other pad types
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Require extensive warm-up time to attain optimum operating temperature
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Cleaner with reduced dust production
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Not appropriate for typical daily driving
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Longer longevity than organic alternatives
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Can be tougher on rotors over time
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3. Low-metallic NAO (non-asbestos organic) brake pads
Low-metallic NAO brake pads mix an organic composition with 10% to 30% copper or steel, finding a compromise between performance and price. These pads provide greater heat transfer qualities and enhanced stopping power than traditional organic choices.
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Good combination of performance and cost
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Tend to be noisy
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Improved braking performance over typical organic pads
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Create more dust than ceramic pads
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Prevent dust collection that might cause frozen callipers
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Not as durable as semi-metallic or ceramic choices
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4. Non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake pads
Non-asbestos organic brake pads are created from materials including fibreglass, rubber, Kevlar, and cellulose resins, replacing the health-hazardous asbestos pads of the past.
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Softer and reasonably silent operating
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Wear out sooner than other varieties
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Gentler on brake discs
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Not appropriate for frequent heavy braking
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Budget-friendly choice
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Limited performance under difficult situations
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Suitable for mild, daily driving
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Shorter lifespan overall
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Kevlar variations provide better performance
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Which brake pads should you use?
Selecting the right brake pad material types for your car includes considering several factors:
Vehicle Type and Weight
- Compact/Lightweight Cars: Organic brake pads typically provide sufficient stopping power while giving smoother operation and budget-friendly prices.
- Medium-Sized Vehicles: Low-metallic NAO pads are usually more acceptable.
- Sports Cars: Semi-metallic or high-performance ceramic brake pads will ensure you can stop as quickly as you speed.
- Heavy Vehicles (Trucks, SUVs): Require pads with higher metal content or severe-duty pads for extra safety when moving large loads.
Driving Habits
- City Driving/Stop-and-Go Traffic: Ceramic pads might be worth the cost due to their life and better operation.
- Highway Commuting: Semi-metallic pads often provide the best mix of efficiency and value.
- Performance Driving: Semi-metallic or ceramic pads made for high-temperature operation.
Budget Considerations
- Organic pads are most cheap but will need refilling more frequently.
- Semi-metallic offers a good middle ground in terms of cost and longevity.
- Ceramic pads take a higher original investment but may save money long-term through increased usefulness.
Conclusion
Research options specific to your vehicle's make and model. Also, consult with professionals at your local garage and consider your typical driving conditions before deciding.
While brakes are an important safety consideration, it is crucial to acquire appropriate documentation before hitting the road. Third-party car insurance offers basic protection against liability for damages to other vehicles. Comprehensive car insurance provides critical coverage for your valued assets against theft, damage, and unforeseen accidents. You can also browse car insurance online to find the policy that suits you best.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.