A truck’s braking system plays a vital role in ensuring road safety. Among the components of the system, brake pads are critical. They are the interface between the brake calipers and brake discs and are responsible for generating the friction needed to slow or stop the vehicle.
However, there are many materials for brake pads, do you know how to choose? Choosing the correct brake pad material is critical to achieving optimal performance, stopping power, noise levels, durability and safety from your vehicle. If you’re looking for the right brake pad material for your vehicle, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the four most common brake pad materials: ceramic, organic, semi-metallic, and metallic. Analyze their pros and cons as well as their performance and considerations in various driving conditions to help you determine the best option for your vehicle.
Ceramic brake pads
Ceramic brake pads are known for their excellent heat resistance and consistent performance. They consist of ceramic fibers bonded with non-metallic fillers and friction modifiers. If you’re looking for a quiet, long-lasting brake pad, ceramic brake pads are the way to go.
The biggest advantage of ceramic brake pads is that they produce less dust and noise when braking and run more quietly, making them a popular choice for luxury and performance vehicles.
Ceramic brake pads are also highly durable and can minimize rotor wear, thereby extending rotor life and reducing maintenance costs. While ceramic brake pads have a higher initial cost compared to other materials, they help you spend less on replacement pads over time. Here’s a fact that may seem incredible to you: They last twice as long as organic brake pads.
Ceramic brake pads generally provide excellent braking performance, even in extreme temperatures, making them an excellent choice for drivers who regularly encounter harsh weather conditions.
Organic brake pads
Organic brake pads, also known as Asbestos-Free Organic (NAO) brake pads, are made from a mixture of organic fibers such as rubber, Kevlar or glass bonded with resin. They are softer and gentler on the braking system than other materials, reducing wear on brake components.
One reason why organic brake pads are the choice of many people is because of their environmentally friendly properties. They are made from natural materials and therefore do not contain any metals or toxic materials that could pollute the environment. . This makes them a more environmentally friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
They ensure smooth and quiet vehicle operation and are suitable for daily driving and light-duty applications. However, organic brake pads may have limitations in heat resistance and durability, making them less suitable for heavy-duty or high-performance applications.
Semi-metallic brake pads
Semi-metallic brake pads are composed of a mixture of metallic fibers such as steel and organic materials such as resin or rubber. The metal content is usually 30% to 70% by weight, with the remainder consisting of non-metallic materials. If you want a cost-effective brake pad, this is the option.
Semi-metallic brake pads have strong durability, heat dissipation and braking performance. But they can be noisier than other materials.
Metal brake pads
Metal brake pads, also known as all-metal or metal sintered pads, are mainly made of metal compounds such as copper, iron or steel, with little or no organic materials. They have this extremely high performance to handle extreme temperatures. At the same time, they also have good heat dissipation and are the first choice for racing cars and heavy-duty vehicles.
Summarize
By understanding the pros and cons of each brake pad material, you can make an informed decision about which material is best for your vehicle. Organic brake pads provide low noise and dust, and ceramic brake pads provide high performance and durability. Semi-metallic brake pads can strike a balance between the two.
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