Finding the Best Brake Pads for Your Vehicle
Every time you press your car’s brake pedal, you’re trusting in a small but crucial component of your vehicle: the brake pad. Responsible for creating the friction that slows and stops your vehicle, the quality and type of brake pads you use can significantly affect your car’s safety and performance. But with numerous options available, how do you choose the best brake pads for your needs? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Choosing the Best Brake Pads
The Importance of Quality
Brake pads are subjected to extreme stress and temperatures every time you brake. High-quality brake pads can withstand this harsh environment, providing consistent performance and durability. Moreover, they are a critical component of your vehicle’s safety system, and their effectiveness can mean the difference between a safe stop and an accident.
Anatomy of Brake Pads
At their core, brake pads consist of a backing plate and a friction material. The friction material is what presses against the brake disc (or rotor) to stop the vehicle. Different materials can drastically affect performance, noise levels, and durability, making the choice of brake pads an important consideration for any vehicle owner.
Brake Pad Shims
Brake pad shims are the silent heroes of the brake pad world. They don’t directly affect the braking performance of the pad, but they definitely affect your quality of life while you’re driving. For some, that’s a good chunk of their life. The job of a shim is to dampen the vibrations coming from the pad and prevent them from reaching the caliper. Think of a shim as an insulating layer that sits between the brake pad backing plate and the caliper.
Interestingly enough, the development of shim technology has produced some fairly intricate solutions. Most high-end brake pad manufacturers ship their pads with built-in shims that not only reduce noise and vibration but also help spread the heat more efficiently.
Adhesive Vs Rivets/Tabs
Not every shim offers the same level of performance. In the realm of brake components, the adage “you get what you pay for” often holds true. Lower-cost aftermarket pads frequently come equipped with basic shims, typically adhered with glue. While not an immediate marker of failure, these glued-on shims, especially those lacking additional retention methods, tend to fail prematurely, often before the pad itself wears down.
The root of this problem is usually the inferior quality of the adhesive used to attach the shim. Brake pads convert kinetic energy into heat, and high temperatures can quickly degrade cheap adhesives. Conversely, high-quality OEM or reputable aftermarket pads often feature shims that are either integrated into the backing plate or secured using more robust methods like metal clips or rivets.
These alternatives tend to be much more durable and reliable, generally outlasting and outperforming adhesive-based systems in terms of longevity and stability.
Should You Reuse Brake Pad Shims?
Absolutely not. Even the top-tier aftermarket brake pad shims available as individual components should be changed each time you replace your pads.
After a period of use, shims become uniquely shaped to the specific pad they’ve been paired with and are unlikely to fit perfectly with a new one. Moreover, a shim that has endured 20,000 miles has experienced numerous heat cycles, significantly altering its condition and effectiveness.
Brake Backing Plate
Typically, backing plates are constructed from steel and are responsible for distributing the caliper’s clamping force uniformly across the pad’s surface. However, corrosion of the backing plate is a common issue with many lower-quality aftermarket pads.
When rust develops on the backing plate, it often spreads to the shim. Frequently, rust will corrode through a low-cost glued-on shim. Even more critically, rust can severely weaken the rivets in shims that are riveted, leading to a piece of metal that becomes unattached and floats freely. Consequently, it’s not unusual to have to replace an otherwise fairly new pad due to problems arising from rust.
Braking Compound Mating Options
Most backing plates are joined to the braking compound through a combination of adhesive and molding techniques. This means the pad is not only glued onto the backing plate but also molded into its structure. While riveting was common in older pad designs, this method has largely become obsolete.
The adhesive/molding technique is the prevalent industry standard; however, it is not without its inherent weaknesses. Specifically, even though the braking compound is firmly pressed and adhered to the backing plate using robust adhesives, the intense temperature fluctuations experienced by the pads can lead to delamination.
Cases where the friction material separates from the backing plate in relatively new pads are not uncommon. However, these issues tend to predominantly occur with lower-quality pads.
Brake Pad Friction Surface
Finally, there’s the brake pad compound — the crucial part that converts speed into heat to decelerate the vehicle. We’ll delve into the various brake pad compounds later in this guide. For the moment, let’s concentrate on the pad’s shape and how it influences its performance.
Brake Pad Slots
Most modern brake pads feature a slot somewhere on their surface. A vast majority of pads have a single slot that bisects the friction material down the middle, but some manufacturers utilize different designs.
The main purpose of this slot is to create an escape route for the hot gases that form along the surface of the pad as you brake. Modern performance rotors feature similar solutions, which we’ve written about in our brake rotor guide.
The secondary purpose of these slots is to reduce vibrations. The slot is a stress relief point that allows the pad to do its job without cracking or otherwise losing its structural integrity.
Chamfered Edges
If you’re familiar with the typical brake pad, you might have noticed that it often has chamfered edges. This design isn’t arbitrary; it serves a significant purpose. Much like shims serve to diminish noise and vibrations, chamfers do the same. The specific design of the chamfer, including its angle and shape, usually varies depending on the rotor and the specific vehicle the pad is intended for.
What makes the best Brake Pads?
By this point, you should have a solid understanding of how a brake pad operates as a whole. Now, let’s dive a bit deeper and explore the realm of braking compounds.
It’s important to note right away that there are no universally “best” or “worst” types of braking compounds. The reality is that various driving conditions, personal driving styles, and individual preferences necessitate different types of braking compounds.
Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) Pads
These are made from various fibers mixed with binding resins to create a softer brake pad. They are quieter and produce less dust but tend to wear out faster than other types. NAO pads are suitable for lighter use and typical daily driving conditions.
Advantages:
- Affordable
- Moderate noise levels
- Minimal vibrations
- Adequate for everyday commuting
Disadvantages:
- Tends to wear out quickly
- Generates considerable brake dust
- Can be easily overwhelmed under strenuous conditions
Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads are composed of dense ceramic material with embedded copper fibers. They offer excellent performance, are quieter, and generate less dust and heat than other types. While they are generally more expensive, their longevity and performance can make them a worthwhile investment for many drivers.
Advantages:
- Extended durability
- Minimal noise
- Reduced vibration
- Less brake dust production
Disadvantages:
- Typically costly
- Require a period to reach optimal temperature
Metallic Brake Pads
These contain anywhere from 30-70% metal and provide excellent heat dissipation and performance. They are a preferred choice for performance vehicles and heavy-duty applications. However, they can be noisier and produce more brake dust than ceramic or organic pads.
Advantages:
- Enhanced grip
- Improved heat dissipation
- Generally more durable than others
Disadvantages:
- Typically costly
- Noisy
Choosing Brakes Pads for your Car
With a plethora of options available, each offering distinct benefits, it can be overwhelming to navigate through all the reviews and comparisons. The most effective way to determine the right brake pads for your vehicle boils down to addressing one straightforward question…
What do you drive and what do you use it for?
The best brake pad for you depends on your vehicle type and how you use it. Daily commuters might prefer the quiet operation and less dust of ceramic pads, while drivers in mountainous areas or those with performance vehicles might opt for the robustness of metallic pads.
If your vehicle is primarily a daily driver or a standard commuter car, you will likely find satisfaction with a quality set of OEM Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) pads. They are the most practical choice for routine commuting, offering a good balance of cost and comfort. However, if you occasionally enjoy a more spirited drive, these might not always suffice.
For those who prefer a dynamic driving experience or often take their vehicles to the track, metallic pads are the way to go. They are the superior choice for performance-oriented driving.
Ceramic pads fall in the middle ground. They are an excellent option for those seeking a durable solution that provides a bit more stopping power than standard NAO pads, balancing longevity and performance.
Stick to well known Brands.
Not all brake pads are created equal. Opt for pads from reputable manufacturers that provide clear information about the materials used and the expected performance of their products.
Always use brake pads designed for your car.
Always ensure that the brake pads you choose are compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. Incorrectly fitted pads can lead to reduced brake performance or even failure.
Consult your owners manual or maintenance guide to find the correct specification.
Conclusion
Selecting the right brake pads is a balance between your vehicle’s requirements, your driving style, and your budget. By understanding the different types of brake pads and what to look for, you can make an informed decision that enhances your vehicle’s safety and performance. Remember, no matter what type of brake pad you choose, ensure it’s a reputable brand and the correct fit for your vehicle. Safe driving begins with the right choice of brake pads.