Brake Repair - Choosing the Right Brake Pads

One of the most important elements of an automobile for secure driving is the brakes. Without effective braking ability, a car cannot be driven safely, and you might need brake repair. Among the many routine maintenance needs of your vehicle is brake pad replacement. There are no brake pads that last forever, even though some newer types can last for quite awhile. Even the most advanced materials in use today are subject to wear and tear. When it becomes apparent that your vehicle brakes need repair, your quick response can help you save time and money. The longer you continue to use worn brake pads, the more likely they are to cause damage to the brake rotors.

The first indication that your brake pads are worn and you need brake repair is a high-pitched squeal when you stop the car. This annoying noise comes from the soft-metal wear indicator as it rubs against the rotor. The purpose of the wear indicator is to alert you that the pads are worn. You may also notice that your vehicle pulls to one side, your brakes grab or vibrate, or your brake pedal feels softer when you press on it. These are all signals that it’s time for new pads, or you can find recommendations for replacement intervals in the owner’s manual for your car.

If you take your car in for brake repair right away, you will probably only need to replace the pads. Brake pads are plates that have a friction material bound to the surface on the side that faces the brake disc. Deciding which kind of brake pad to purchase requires some consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of each. There are four types of brake pads to choose from, and they are semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic, low-metallic NAO, and ceramic. While semi-metallic pads are very sturdy and have great heat transfer, they also can wear down rotors quickly. They can be noisy, and may not perform that well in cool temperatures. Non-asbestos organic pads are softer and quieter, but they create more brake dust and wear out faster. Low-metallic NAO brake pads contain small amounts of copper or steel, which creates better transfer of heat and better braking performance. The metal content also produces more brake dust and more noise.

Many people believe that ceramic pads are the best. They consist of ceramic fibers, nonferrous filler materials, and bonding agents. They can also contain small amounts of metal. Ceramic brake pads are more expensive than other types, but they are cleaner and quieter. They provide superior braking performance and do not wear down the brake rotors. Though there are only four types of pads, there is a wide variety of brand names and performance categories to make your decision more difficult.

Most manufacturers produce standard, upgraded and severe-duty brake pads. For normal driving conditions, standard pads should be sufficient. The upgraded and severe-duty pads are ideal if you carry heavy loads or many passengers often, commute daily down a steep grade, or drive regularly through mountainous terrain. If you use upgraded pads for normal driving they will probably just be noisier and create more brake dust. Whichever type you choose, be sure to purchase pads with a certified label. Either BEEP or D3EA certifications mean that the pads have been tested to ensure they are as effective as the original equipment on your car.