Brake pads play a vital role in the vehicle's braking system, ensuring driving safety. Understanding the importance of maintaining and replacing brake pads will guarantee their reliability and performance, providing drivers with peace of mind on the road.
WHAT ARE BRAKE PADS？
Cars and light trucks have disc brakes on all four wheels. The system includes three key components: a brake disc (rotor), a hydraulic piston assembly called the brake caliper assembly, and a pair of brake pads.
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Disc brake pads use friction materials to create stopping power. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pistons push the pads against the flat surface of the rotor, generating the necessary friction to halt the vehicle.
Braking gradually wears down the pads and rotors. Over time, their effectiveness diminishes. When this occurs, it's crucial to replace them promptly to maintain optimal stopping power.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF BRAKE PADS?
Passenger vehicles have three main types of brake pads: non-asbestos organic, ceramic, and semi-metallic.
NON-ASBESTOS ORGANIC
Non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake pads are environmentally friendly and easy to dispose of due to their organic composition. They provide a quieter ride but wear faster and can produce dust. NAO pads are ideal for lighter vehicles with less aggressive braking needs.
CERAMIC
Ceramic brake pads offer exceptional stopping power and efficient heat dispersion. They are perfect for everyday driving, producing minimal dust and noise while lasting a long time. Numerous foreign and domestic vehicles come equipped with factory-installed ceramic brake pads.
SEMI-METALLIC
Semi-metallic pads offer strong stopping power and excellent heat dispersion. However, they can be noisy and produce more dust compared to ceramic pads. Due to their harder friction materials, they may cause more wear to your brake rotors.
EFFECTS OF BRAKE PAD FAILURE?
Check your brake pads for excessive or uneven wear every 5,000 miles. While wear varies by vehicle, it's typically advised to replace brake pads every 50,000 miles. Brake pad malfunctions can impact your vehicle's performance. Here are common issues caused by faulty brake pads:
| Issue |
Possible Cause |
| Braking requires an abnormal amount of force on brake pedal |
Worn brake pads, contaminated brake fluid, faulty brake caliper, faulty master cylinder, loss of vacuum, loss of brake fluid |
| Car pulls to one side when braking |
Faulty brake caliper, restriction in hydraulic system, brake pad lining(s) contaminated with oil or brake fluid, brake pads not replaced in pairs, brake pad not fitted correctly |
| Poor braking performance |
Brake pad lining(s) soaked with water, oil, or brake fluid; Overheated brake pad linings, worn brake pads, faulty master cylinder, brake fluid leak, air in brake fluid, misadjusted brake shoes, boiling brake fluid |
| Sensitive braking |
Incorrect brake pad linings; Greasy brake pad linings, faulty proportioning valve, misadjusted master cylinder pushrod |
| Noisy braking (grinding or screeching sounds when braking) |
Extremely worn brake pads, brake pad(s) not fitted correctly, faulty or missing brake pad shim, brake pad wear indicator |
| Vibration under braking |
Contaminated rotors or pads, warped rotors, out of round drums, ABS activation |
HOW TO CHOOSE BRAKE PADS?
Choosing the right brake pad involves more than just stopping power. Factors like heat absorption, wear rate, noise level, and dust production are crucial considerations.
Don't compromise on safety when it comes to brake pads. Avoid the cheapest options available. Opt for high-quality brake pads from reputable brands. They may be pricier but offer longer service life and superior stopping power, ensuring reliable safety.
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Brake pads are vital components of a vehicle's braking system, ensuring driving safety. Regular maintenance and replacement of brake pads are essential responsibilities for every driver. By keeping brake pads in good condition, you can rely on their performance to provide secure braking, enabling a worry-free driving experience on the road.
