4 Different Types Of Brake Pads For Your Vehicle
Posted on: 5 October 2021
If your brake pads are wearing down on your vehicle, you are going to need to replace them. When it comes to taking on this task, you have multiple material choices to choose from.
1. Ceramic
The first material choice you have to choose from is ceramic. Ceramic tends to be the most expensive brake pad material, but it also tends to be the most long-lasting. Ceramic pads last for a long time because they are really great at absorbing the heat created by regular braking. They work well regardless of if your vehicle is cold or all warmed up. Ceramic pads generally also have a little bit of clay and copper inside of them.
They are quiet, wear down slowly, and don't make a lot of dust. However, you will pay for these advantages with a little more money upfront, but you should be able to wait longer between pad changes.
2. Low-Metallic
Another option is low-metallic brake pads. These tend to be more affordable, the downside being that they make a lot of noise and create a lot of brake dust. They are great at stopping, and they handle the heat well. They are made up primarily of organic materials and a small percentage of metals such as steel and copper. They are a strong and affordable option for most vehicles. They work well in colder environments.
3. Non-Metallic
Non-metallic brake pads contain very few metal fibers and are instead made of materials such as glass, resin, and rubber. These pads are softer and are not great for people who do a lot of driving every day, as they wear down at a really fast rate. They are great if you are a low-mileage driver, as you are going to be able to get more time out of them as they will wear slower when not used at high mileage.
4. Semi-Metallic
Another popular option is semi-metallic pads. These are some of the most common pads used in vehicles today. They are a combination of both synthetic and metal materials combined together with an organic seal. They are hardened in a furnace, creating a very durable structure that can last many miles and handle the heat. They can be a little noisy and are not the best choice if you live in a really cold climate.
When choosing brake pads, you need to consider how much driving you do, where you live, and your price point. Talk to a mechanic for more information.
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