Types of Brake Pads – What Are the Differences and which Is Bets For Your Car?

As you already know, a car’s stopping power can be just as important as any horsepower figure or torque output. When you’re going for a weekend roadtrip and approach your favourite part (for ost of us, that woud be Van Reenen’s pass), you want to have full confidence that the application of your foot to the middle pedal will create a corresponding braking force.

At the same time, there is only a certain amount of stopping force that your brakes can create. Brakes are specced taking into account a vehicle’s weight and power, with the aim being to create enough force to fully lock up all four wheels, overcoming the torque of the spinning brake disc. From there on in, it’s then down to the tyres to produce the required friction force to bring the car to a stop.

Back to the brakes, though; what are the different types and what makes them better or worse than the next set?

Brake Pad Types

Based on the names of the different types of brake pads, it isn’t apparent which ones are the most widely used or which one you should choose. Here is a rundown of the differences:

• Semi-Metallic
  These brake pads are 30 to 65 percent metal and are considered to be very durable, according to CarsDirect. These brake pads may also not function well in extreme, low temperatures. AutoAnything says these brake pads are less expensive and easier on the rotors than ceramic brake pads, but that they are louder and do not last as long as ceramics. According to Autos.com, these brake pads are generally used on high performance and race cars.
• Ceramic
  These brake pads are generally the most expensive, but are cleaner and produce less noise than other materials. Ceramic brake pads last longer than semi-metallic as well. Autos.com says ceramics outperform organic pads.
• Low-Metallic, Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO)
  These brake pads are known to be noisy and to let off a lot of brake dust. However, according to Brake Masters, the copper or steel that is used in these pads helps with heat transfer and breaking.
• Non-Asbestos Organic
  These brake pads are generally made from organic materials including fibre, glass, rubber, and Kevlar. These pads are pretty quiet, but can wear faster and produce a lot of brake dust.

If you need any information, advice, repairs or replacements of you vehicles braking system, click here to get in touch with us today!

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