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You use your brakes a lot when you drive out of the driveway or travel along a highway. The system uses its key components each time to stop your vehicle quickly and safely. The brake pad is one of the major components. The brake pads, located between the brake shoe & brake drum, are responsible for applying pressure on the brake rotors to slow or stop your vehicle, including high-performance brake pads in Brisbane.
If your brake pads are not working properly, you will have a difficult time stopping your vehicle. They can also cause damage to other brake components, such as brake rotors and calipers. Maintaining brake pads is essential for safe driving and keeping your car in top condition.
What are the types of brake pads? How long will brake pads last? How will you know if they need to be replaced? Find out more:
What are the different types of brake pads available?
Here, I will show you the differences between brake pads.
Organic
The organic brake pads are made from materials such as carbon, glass or rubber, Kevlar or fiberglass, which is bonded with heat-resistant resin. These pads are less expensive and operate more quietly than other options. These pads are also excellent at reducing the stress placed on your brake rotors. Organic pads, on the other hand, produce more brake dust, and they may wear out faster.
Semi-Metallic
Semi-metallic pads are created by bonding graphite and copper with iron, steel, and graphite. These pads are more cost-effective and durable than other types. They also offer better performance. Semi-metallic pads are cleaner than organic ones. These brake pads, although highly efficient in dissipating the heat, are noisy and will wear your brake rotors out faster.
Ceramic
Ceramic brake pads are becoming increasingly popular in recent years due to their many benefits. They are made from glass ceramic fibres stacked together, as well as bonding agents and filler materials. They are quieter, cleaner and last longer than other pads. They are quieter and less dusty than semi-metallic brake pads. Ceramic brake pads are more expensive than other types of brake pads.
What factors determine the lifespan of brake pads?
Brake pads last between 40,000 to 105,000 km. You may need to replace them before the 40,000 KM mark or even after 105,000 km. The lifespan of a tire depends on a variety of factors.
- Brake pad material
- Avoid driving habits like braking abruptly or too quickly.
- You can also consider your driving environment. In urban areas, you will need to break more often, whereas in rural areas it is not as necessary.
Replace brake pads when you see this warning sign
Your car will tell you when it has a problem. Pay attention to these warning signs and you can get brake pads replaced on time.
Squealing
A squealing noise when you step on the brakes could indicate a worn brake pad. The brake pads on your car have a wear indicator which makes a squealing sound when it touches the brake discs. This sound indicates that your brake pads have worn down and need to be replaced.
The sound of clicking, screeching or grinding
If you hear a grinding, clicking or screeching noise, it is not a problem. However, if the noise persists, then brake pads may need to be replaced. These noises can be caused by dirt or debris coming into contact with brake pads or brake discs.
Pulling
When you hit the brake pedal, worn out brake pads will cause your car to move from one side of the road to the other. Get your brake system checked immediately if you notice this.
Visual Inspection
Visual inspections are the easiest way to confirm worn brake pads. Simply turn the wheels of your car to the right or left to see the brakes. The brake pad will be attached to the brake rotor. It should also be wider than one-fourth of an inch. Get your brake pads checked if it seems to be less.
How to prolong brake pad lifespan
Follow these tips to get the best out of your brakes and save money over time.
- When you have to completely stop your vehicle from high speed, slow down first.
- Avoid pressing the brake pedal while the accelerator is still on your right foot.
- Avoid loading your car up with heavy objects. This will increase the mass of your vehicle and require your brakes to use more power to stop it.
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