Although speed dealers may deny it, the ability to stop quickly on the road outweighs the need for brake acceleration.
Keeping this in mind, proper brake pads can help to ensure motorists’ road traffic safety.
Brake pads are one of the primary components of a car’s braking system. The brake pads are part of the mechanism that fixates on the rotor.
They are located inside the caliper. The pads will wear down over time because of the friction produced on the rotor to bring the tire to a stop.
The system works as follows:
When you push your brake pedal, your car sends pressurized fluid through its braking lines to a caliper at each wheel.
This is where the brake pads are placed. Brake fluid forces brake pads against a disc rotor in each wheel. It eventually slows it down and brings it to a stop.
Simply put, friction exerted by the brake pads converts your car’s kinetic energy into heat energy.
Semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic (NAO), low-metallic NAO, and ceramic are the 4 Different Types of Brake Pads available.
Different types complement different models, which should capture the curiosity of even the most casual driver.
So, it’s crucial to know which is best for your car.
Different Types of Brake Pads
1. Semi-Metallic
Semi-metallic brake pads are the most prevalent type of brake pad. They have metal content ranging from 30 to 65 percent. Steel wool, wire, and copper are among other additional materials.
These ingredients are then fused with organic resin once they’ve been chosen. They are then made into predetermined shapes and baked in a furnace for extra strength.
One of their great advantages is their toughness. Semi-metallic pads are more stable at high temperatures and gentler on rotors than ceramic pads.
They are less expensive and adapt themselves to hard braking over a lengthy stretch of road. Even when roughly 60% metal is available.
Semi-metallic brake pads are suitable for high-performance sports cars. This is the choice for you if you possess a vehicle that can go from zero to sixty in a matter of seconds.
There are drawbacks to Different Types of Brake Pads, including an unpleasant reactivity to extremely cold conditions. So, avoid taking it to very cold places.
Semi-metallic brake pads have the following advantages:
- They are exceptionally long-lasting.
- They have a high heat-transfer efficiency.
- They’re found in a wide range of cars.
The following are some of the drawbacks:
- They make a lot of noise.
- They don’t usually work well in cold weather.
- They can easily wear down your rotors.
2. Non-Asbestos Organic
These brake pads consist primarily of organic materials. One can tell by the name. It wasn’t always like this.
There was a period when brake pads were made of asbestos, but the mineral was eventually replaced by different compounds.
This was due to public health concerns. Newer variants could include fiberglass, rubber, Kevlar, and resins like cellulose. It makes them softer and quieter.
Despite being gentler on the braking discs, non-Asbestos organic brake pads wear out quickly. They are only appropriate for everyday driving.
Furthermore, these Different Brake Pads are unsuited to frequent braking. Despite being the costliest, this choice has the fewest disadvantages.
The following are some of the basic benefits of NAO brake pads:
- They are quieter than other kinds of pads.
- They’re composed of strong resins and robust fibers.
The following are some disadvantages:
- They’re a little softer than regular brake pads.
- They have a higher proclivity for deterioration than other varieties.
- They have the potential to generate a lot of dust.
3. Ceramic
You are almost certain to own a supercar if you have a set of ceramic brake pads. It is by far the most expensive option.
But why is it so expensive? They provide outstanding braking performance by absorbing heat generated by even the roughest, most abrupt stops.
These Different Types of Brake Pads are easier to clean and smoother than any other mentioned in this article.
This is because they are made of ceramic fibers and similar natural fill materials. They also endure longer than organic brake pads, surpassing them in general.
The time it takes to get them up to operating temperature is a considerable disadvantage. While ceramic brake pads are perfect for rallying, they are nearly useless in the normal car.
It rarely reaches the optimal process temperature on errands like the school run or food grocery.
The following are some of the basic benefits of employing ceramic brake pads:
- They are quieter than other kinds of pads.
- They deteriorate slowly and produce very little dust.
The following are some of their drawbacks:
- They cost more than practically every other different type of brake pad.
4. Low-Metallic, Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO)
The Low-Metallic NAO is made up of organic composition. It is a mixture of 10% and 30% of copper and steel. These Different Types of Brake Pads result in better braking.
This recipe does a great job of transferring heat. They are, unfortunately, quite noisy, and the additional metal can generate a lot of dust.
Which Brake Pads are the Best for You?
So, which is the best option for you between Different Types of Brake Pads? Metallic, Organic, or Ceramic? It relies on the manufacturer’s guidelines for your car.
Also, the ride you anticipate from it and your driving skills. Though the aforementioned two factors play a vital role in choosing the right brake pads for your vehicle, the below-provided detail will assist you in getting an accurate idea of it;
Light Compact Cars
Basic organic brake pads will suffice if you own a modest compact car. They are silent, low-cost, and provide sufficient stopping force for your requirements.
You can use a ceramic brake pad instead of these if you detect dust in the braking area.
Midsize Cars
Midsize vehicles almost always require a set of low-metallic NAO brake pads. This is due to the vehicle’s magnitude. It necessitates more braking power.
The low-metallic NAO brake pads can be a touch noisy, but you can easily convert them to ceramic brake pads if the noise concerns you.
Sports Cars
If your vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in a flash, it must also go from 60 to 0 in a flash.
So, semi-metallic brake pads are the optimum choice for most sports cars. When you have a car like this, you merely need high-quality brake pads.
Trucks/SUVs/Vans
Because of their size and the necessity for maximum stopping power, all vans, SUVs, and trucks require heavy-duty brake pads.
Semi-metallic brake pads or pads with a high metal concentration are good to use.
Note this: the higher the metal content in your brake pads, the more stopping power you’ll need. They’re a tad loud, but they’re essential for your protection.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, your vehicle’s braking system is one of the most important safety features. As a result, there is no replacement for research when it comes to installing brake pads.
Before reaching a choice, consult your local garage, seek advice on forums, and research the advantages and disadvantages of each model.
Have your brakes tested and brake pads replaced regularly, regardless of the type you choose.
