Helpful Guide For Choosing Brake Pads

Everyone knows that brake pads are an important part of a vehicle. Unfortunately, every vehicle owner doesn't realize that all pads aren't created equal. The quality of brake you choose will determine not only how long they last, but also your vehicle's stopping performance and power. If you're in the market for new brake pads for your truck, make sure you know the differences between the available kinds.

Ceramic Pads

Ceramic brake pads are made from a combination of ceramic fibers and filler material that is bonded together to form the pad. They are a popular choice because they are both lightweight and durable, making them an excellent choice for smaller trucks. Ceramic pads are also relatively dust-free compared to other options.

This is a benefit because excessive dust production can filter over to the rotor and cause increase wear so the smaller the dust production, the better. The only real drawback is that this pad style is more expensive. However, although a larger investment, the long-term savings is well worth it.

Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

One of the most popular brake pad styles is semi-metallic. Semi-metallic brake pads are made from a combination of materials, including copper, steel and iron. All of these materials are bonded together with resin to form the pad. The greatest advantage these brakes offer is their low cost; however, this does come with a downside.

The low cost of these pads often leads to louder brakes. Typically, brakes don't start making noise until they are worn. However, even a semi-metallic brake pad that is in good condition can still produce noise. If you find this extra noise to be unattractive, this might not be the best option for you.

Low-Metallic Brake Pads

The least expensive brake option is low-metallic. While a low price is often synonymous with low-quality, this isn't always the case. Low-metallic brake pads are made from the same materials as semi-metallic brake pads. However, they have higher levels of filler materials in them, lowering their metallic content.

A lower metallic level is actually a good thing because it provides better braking power, which can be helpful for larger trucks. They also produce a lower amount of heat when in use, compared to semi-metallic brakes. Lower heat production is important because it minimizes the risk of rotor damage.

Make sure you aren't making your decision in haste. If you're having difficulty making a selection, don't hesitate to seek help from an automotive professional. If you're interested, click here to investigate some more on the subject.

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