Having a reliable brake system on your vehicle is one of the most important safety features. Vehicles that have a rotary type brake system have brake pads that stop a car by contacting against the rotors. There are different types of brake pads that are installed on a variety of different kinds of automobiles.
Metallic Brake Pads
Metallic brake pads are the most commonly used type. They are best for smaller vehicles that are not driven at extremely high speeds on rough terrain. This type of brake pads is less expensive, very durable and have been proven to perform very well.
While metallic brake pads are heavier than other types, the increase in fuel that is burned when driving is still minimal. Metallic brake pads are also a popular choice because they produce very little dust when used.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Semi-metallic brake pads are made of a combination of metal fibers and resin. These brake pads are also affordable, are very durable even in cold weather and do not wear out brake rotors quickly.
However, semi-metallic brake pads have a shorter life span than metallic brake pads. They are also noisier than some other types of brake pads and usually produce more dust than metallic brake pads.
Organic Brake Pads
Organic brake pads have organic ingredients such as rubber, resin and glass as a binding agent to hold them together. These pads are softer and produce more dust than metallic or semi-metallic brake pads. In the past, asbestos was often used in making organic brake pads.
However, after it was discovered that the heavy dust produced by this material was a health hazard, this was discontinued. Organic brake pads are lightweight and do not make much noise when used. These brake pads are also more suitable for small vehicles that are not driven aggressively.
Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads are more expensive that other types, but they also last longer as well. These pads produce very little dust and perform well even when installed on a car that is driven aggressively. Ceramic brake pads produce little noise and do not need to be repaired frequently.
Ceramic brake pads perform well for vehicles that make sharp turns and frequent stops. They are also ideal for vehicles that are driven at high rates of speed. However, these pads may also wear away the brake rotors more quickly than other types of pads.
Deciding which type of brake pad is best for your vehicle depends on how much you want to spend, how aggressively your car will be driven and how frequently you plan on replacing the brake pads. For more information, contact companies like Discount Brake Center.
Share30 October 2015
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