16 May 2023 Why Choose Quality Brake Pads
Driving safely should be the prerogative of every motorist. Often, fundamental elements that could cause serious damage to vehicles and, in severe cases, even harm to people, are overlooked.
In the mechanical field, when we talk about safety, our thoughts quickly turn to the braking system and all the components involved in braking.
Our awareness campaigns often focus on this particular topic. Ensuring the safety of motorists has always been our primary goal, and we invest a significant amount of our efforts in raising awareness among drivers and mechanics not to compromise on these components, which are so crucial that they can determine the life or death of a motorist in case of need.
Brake pads are among the most important elements of the braking system, upon which the safety of the motorist and all other road users depends. Therefore, their choice must be made responsibly.
The main parameters of brake pads:
1. Operating Temperature:
Brake pads resistant to temperatures of 300-350 °C should be sufficient for city driving and moderately fast rides. Sports cars are equipped with brake pads that operate at temperatures of 900 °C, but ensure effective braking only at temperatures above 100 °C.
2. Friction Coefficient:
Brake pads with a friction coefficient of 0.25-0.35 are sufficient to stop a moving vehicle. These values are typical for non-original components. The friction coefficient of original brake pads is slightly higher, around 0.3-0.5. Sport brake pads at an operating temperature of 150 °C have a low friction coefficient of around 0.2. However, when they reach high temperatures, the friction coefficient can increase up to 0.5.
3. Durability:
The wear resistance of brake pads depends on the material they are made of. Soft friction material wears out quickly, while material that is too hard causes premature wear of the brake disc.
Common problems associated with cheap and low-quality brake pads include partial detachment of the pad body from the backing plate. Another defect that can occur in brake pads is the presence of deep grooves and worn edges on the brake pad surface. Sometimes excessive wear may occur, and the brake pads appear worn down to the backing plate.
Purchasing quality brake pads from recognized manufacturers helps prevent many of these issues that could compromise safety during braking.
The best brake pad manufacturers include:
– TRW
– GALFER
– BREMBO
– TEXTAR
– FERODO
– MAGNETI MARELLI
– ATE
Each of these companies produces high-level products with different characteristics. During installation, to choose the most suitable product, it is important to consider some technical and driving aspects.
For example, TRW brake pads are more suitable for everyday city driving. Brembo and Ferodo, on the other hand, produce brake pads for sports cars. Components produced by ATE are also capable of withstanding operating temperatures up to 800 °C.
