Types of Brake Pads
There are four main types of brake pads: organic, ceramic, low-metallic, and semi-metallic. A clear understanding of them will help you determine which one best suits your car. Here’s a brief overview of the different types of brake pads:
Non-Asbestos Organic Brake Pads
Organic brake pads contain purely organic materials, including rubber and fiberglass. Additionally, they’re bonded with heat-resistant resins to enhance strength. They’re made from soft material, producing less noise during braking. Moreover, they’re eco-friendly because they don’t have dust particles when worn out.
Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads contain fibers, ceramic fillers, and adhesive agents. Some versions also contain traces of copper fiber. The ceramic material plays a vital role in heat dissipation and maintains efficient performance during hard stops. Moreover, ceramic pads are relatively durable because they don’t wear out rapidly after repeated usage. Ceramic brakes are ideal for racing vehicles that experience repeated hard braking episodes.
Low-Metallic Brake Pads
Low-metallic brake pads aren’t as common as other brake types. They’re a blend of organic compounds and steel or copper. They’re perfect for heat dissipation, preventing overheating of the brake linings.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
These are the most widely available type of brake pads currently in use. They’re predominantly metallic, consisting of 30%-65% metallic structures. Other designs may also contain copper and steel components. Semi-metallic pads are very durable and robust. In addition, they can withstand extreme heating conditions arising from friction. For this reason, they’re a perfect choice if you own a racing car.
How Often Should You Replace the Brake Pads?
There’s no universally recommended timeframe for replacing your brake pads. However, experts recommend regularly inspecting the braking system to identify potential flaws.
During the inspection, the mechanic will examine the thickness of the pads to determine if they’re due for replacement. If the brake pads are less than 3 mm thick, they’ll require immediate replacement. On the other hand, thickness ranging from 4-6 mm means the pads may be due for replacement soon, while 7 mm or more means the pads are probably fine for a while.
Besides a regular inspection, you should check the car’s manual for detailed instructions on the frequency of changing your brake pads.
Common Signs That It’s Time To Change Your Brake Pads
Every type of brake pad will eventually degrade after prolonged use. Luckily, some telltale signs will alert you when the brake pads are due for a replacement. If you notice the signs, you should change the pads immediately to prevent accidents. Common signs to watch include:
Vibrating Steering Wheel
Worn-out brake pads will rub against the rotor at different points. As a result, you’ll notice steering wheel vibration when applying the brakes. Frequent vibration requires changing the pads to prevent damage to the entire braking system.
Brake Indicator Light
Some car sensors automatically turn on the brake indicator lights when the brake pads wear out. The warning light is an essential clue of a fault in the braking system. So, if your brake indicator light turns on, you should have your braking system checked right away.
Screeching Brakes
Modern brake pads have unique wear indicators that produce a screeching sound when they rub against the rotors. Screeching sounds imply the brake pads are worn out beyond a safe limit. Therefore, it may be time for a replacement if you hear a strange sound when applying the brakes.
Vibrating Brake Pedals
Brake pads have a special resin that holds them together. However, the resin may be heated and spread across the rotor due to degradation. If this happens, you’ll notice a strong vibration of the pedals when you apply the brakes.
Longer Stopping Distance
Worn-out breaks will increase a car’s stopping distance. As a result, when you apply the brakes, the vehicle will take longer than usual to stop completely. The problem occurs because the pads are so thin that they can’t exert sufficient pressure on the rotor to stop the wheels.
Are your brake pads due for replacement? The best action is to call a qualified mechanic and schedule an inspection. At Classic Toyota in Tyler, Texas, we can inspect the braking system for signs of wear, scratches, damage, or abrasion. If you need a replacement, we stock original equipment manufacturer parts. Do not hesitate to contact us for a brake inspection, repair, or replacement at our dealership.
