How to Choose a Brake Pad for Your Car?
Brake pads are one of the most important parts of your vehicle’s braking system. They provide the friction against the brake rotors to slow and stop your car when you press the brake pedal. Over time, brake pads wear down and need to be replaced – generally every 30,000-70,000 miles depending on driving conditions and pad material [1]. Replacing brake pads regularly is crucial for maintaining safe braking performance.
Not all brake pads are the same. There are several types of brake pad compounds to choose from, each with their own characteristics and ideal applications. Organic, ceramic, semi-metallic and full metallic pads all have varying levels of performance, durability, noise, and more. Choosing the right brake pad type for your specific vehicle and driving needs is important to ensure proper braking function.
Discuss Different Types of Brake Pads
There are four main types of brake pads to choose from:
Organic Pads
Organic brake pads contain non-metallic, organic materials such as glass, rubber, Kevlar, and carbon fibers. They are typically the quietest type of brake pads, but don’t last as long as other materials. Organic pads also tend to fade faster and have reduced stopping power when hot compared to semi-metallic or ceramic pads, according to Bridgestone (https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/ceramic-vs-metallic-brake-pads/).
Ceramic Pads
Ceramic pads contain ceramic fibers, fillers, bonding agents and small amounts of copper fibers. They are harder and more durable than organic pads while producing less dust. Ceramic pads provide high and consistent braking power, but can be noisy until properly broken in. They work well in all conditions but excel in high temperatures, according to Mat Foundry Group (https://www.matfoundrygroup.com/blog/types-of-brake-pads-and-which-should-you-use).
Semi-Metallic Pads
Semi-metallic pads contain 30-65% metal including copper, iron, steel, and graphite. They offer a longer lifespan and better heat transfer than organic pads. However, semi-metallic pads tend to be noisier while braking and produce more dust. They provide solid braking performance in all conditions.
Full Metallic Pads
Full metallic pads are made from metals like steel, copper, and bronze. They can withstand very high temperatures, but produce a lot of noise and dust. Full metallic pads have excellent durability and bite, but may transfer too much heat to rotors on lighter vehicles.
Compare Organic vs Ceramic Pads
Organic brake pads are made from natural materials like glass, rubber, Kevlar and other fibers. Some pros of organic pads include:
- Low cost: Organic pads are typically the most affordable option
- Good pedal feel: They provide responsive stopping power
- Less abrasive on rotors: Organic pads don’t wear down rotors as fast as metallic pads
Some cons of organic pads are:
- More dust: Organic pads produce more brake dust than ceramic
- More noise: They tend to squeal and make more noise than ceramic
- Fade at high temps: Performance fades at very high temperatures
Ceramic brake pads use ceramic fibers, fillers, bonding agents and small amounts of copper fibers. Pros of ceramic pads are:
- Low dust: Ceramic pads produce much less brake dust
- Quiet braking: Ceramic pads are the quietest type of brake pad
- Consistent stopping power: Great braking across wide temperature range
Some cons of ceramic pads:
- Price: Ceramic pads cost more than organic options
- Rotor wear: Ceramic pads tend to wear down rotors faster
- Less initial bite: Require some break-in period for max braking ability
In comparison, if low cost and good pedal feel are priorities, organic pads may be the better option. But for reduced noise, low dust, and consistent braking across varying temperatures, ceramic pads tend to perform better.
Compare Semi-Metallic vs Full Metallic Pads
Semi-metallic brake pads contain 30% to 65% metal mixed with bonding agents and fillers. They provide a good balance of performance, noise, dust, and rotor wear compared to other pad types. Pros of semi-metallic pads include strong braking power, good pedal feel, and low cost. Cons are increased noise and more rotor wear compared to ceramic pads.
Full metallic pads contain a very high percentage of metals like steel, iron, and copper. They are designed for extreme heat resistance and braking power. Pros of full metallic are unmatched braking performance and heat tolerance according to this source. Cons are increased noise, dust, vibration, and rotor wear. Full metallic pads also have a higher cost than semi-metallic.
In direct comparison, full metallic pads have superior maximum braking power over semi-metallic, but produce more noise, dust, and wear. Semi-metallic strike a better balance for street use, providing strong braking with less negatives. Full metallic pads are best reserved for track, racing, or high performance applications where extreme braking is required.
Consider Driving Conditions
The conditions you typically drive in will impact how quickly your brake pads wear out and need replacing. Here are some key factors to consider:
City/Highway Driving: Pads tend to wear out faster in city driving with frequent starts and stops. Highway driving is easier on brake pads. Plan to replace pads more often if you do mostly city driving.
Weather Conditions: Wet, snowy, or icy conditions cause more wear on pads due to increased friction and braking pressure. Replacing pads more frequently may be needed in areas with regular rain or winter weather.
Driver Preferences: Aggressive braking and hard stops will wear pads faster. Go easier on the brakes to extend pad life if possible. Also consider your driving style when deciding how often to replace pads.
Checking pad thickness regularly and replacing them at the right intervals for your driving conditions will help optimize safety and performance.
Choose Pad Based on Vehicle
The type of brake pads you choose should depend on the type of vehicle you drive. Different vehicles have different braking needs based on their size, weight and typical driving conditions.
Brake Pads for Sedans
For regular sedans used mainly for everyday driving, organic or low-metallic NAO brake pads are usually sufficient. These provide good braking performance for normal city and highway driving. Ceramic pads are also an option for sedans to reduce brake dust (Bridgestone).
Brake Pads for Trucks/SUVs
For larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs, semi-metallic pads are recommended. The higher metal content provides the extra durability and braking power needed for heavy vehicles. Ceramic pads can also handle occasional towing and hauling (Mat Foundry Group).
Brake Pads for Sports Cars
For sports cars or vehicles used for performance driving, ceramic pads are the best choice. Ceramic pads can withstand high heat from repeated hard braking, providing great braking responsiveness and control (Fisher Auto Parts).
Inspect Rotors When Replacing
When replacing your brake pads, it’s important to also inspect the brake rotors for wear. Uneven rotor wear can decrease braking performance and lead to pulsation in the brake pedal.
Visually look at the rotor surfaces for uneven wear patterns. The rotor surfaces should be flat and smooth. Grooves, cracks, or discoloration indicate the rotor needs to be resurfaced or replaced. Use a micrometer to precisely measure rotor thickness in several spots and compare to manufacturer specs. Most rotors have a minimum thickness specification etched on them. If below spec, the rotor must be replaced [1].
For lightly worn rotors within specs, resurfacing restores the smooth surface and prevents pulsation. Resurfacing involves machining off a thin layer of the rotor surface. Rotors can generally be resurfaced once or twice before needing complete replacement. When installing new pads, always check the condition of the rotors.
Proper Installation
Installing new brake pads properly is crucial for safe braking performance. Here are some key steps to follow:
Apply a brake pad grease or lubricant on the pad backing plates and contact points between the pads, caliper and mount. This helps reduce brake noise and ensures smooth movement (https://sangsinusa.com/how-to-change-your-brake-pads/).
Tighten the caliper bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. This prevents the caliper from becoming loose. Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.
Break in the new pads correctly by avoiding hard braking for the first 200 miles. This allows the pads to properly seat to the rotors to maximize braking effectiveness (https://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-change-your-brake-pads.html).
Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance of your brake pads and brake system is crucial for safe driving. Here are some key maintenance tips to follow:
Check pad thickness regularly. Brake pads wear down over time and get thinner. Inspect them visually for thickness and wear indicators. Most pads have built-in wear indicators that make a squealing noise when the pad is worn down and needs replacement. Refer to your owner’s manual for the minimum thickness specification. Pads should be replaced before they wear down too far.
Listen for squealing or grinding noises. This indicates that the brake pad material has worn down completely in some spots. Squealing can also be caused by dust buildup on the brake pads. In either case, worn or dirty pads need to be replaced right away.
Clean calipers when changing pads. When installing new pads, wipe down the caliper bracket and caliper piston with brake cleaner spray to remove dirt, grease and debris. This prevents contamination between the pad and rotor.
Regularly check brake fluid level. Low fluid can cause a soft, spongy pedal and reduced braking ability. Top it off with the recommended DOT brake fluid if low. Flush old brake fluid and replace with fresh fluid every 2 years as recommended in your owner’s manual. Check Brake Pads and Rotors
Summary
Choosing the right brake pad for your vehicle is crucial for safe and effective braking. To recap the main points:
– Compare organic, ceramic, semi-metallic, and full metallic brake pads to select the best material for your driving conditions and needs. Organic pads offer quiet braking but wear quickly, while ceramic pads provide smooth braking with less dust. Semi-metallic and full metallic pads withstand high heat but produce more noise.[1]
– Inspect your rotors when replacing brake pads, as worn rotors can diminish braking performance with new pads. Have them resurfaced or replaced if needed.
– Follow proper installation procedures, like lubricating contact points with brake grease and resetting the caliper pistons.
– Maintain your new brake pads through occasional visual inspections and by avoiding excessive braking when they are new to properly bed them in.
Choosing and installing the optimal brake pads for your specific vehicle results in improved braking power, extended pad and rotor life, and enhanced safety. Take the time to select the right pad material and properly install them, as your brakes are one of the most crucial systems in your vehicle.
[1] https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/ceramic-vs-metallic-brake-pads/