The Purpose of Brake Pads: Why You Need Them
Brake pads are an important safety feature of any vehicle. They are required to stop the vehicle when needed and they help prevent the wheels from skidding during high-speed driving. Brake pads naturally wear down over time but you can prolong the life of your brakes by taking care of them.
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What Is a Brake Pad?
Brake pads are a key component of braking systems in vehicles. They are made of many different materials and can be found in almost every vehicle. A brake pad has a thin layer of material that is designed to come into contact with the surface of the rotors and apply the pressure necessary to stop the vehicle. They are the point where friction occurs, creating heat to slow and stop your vehicle. When brake pads wear out, such an event can lead to a potentially dangerous situation.
How Often Should Brake Pads Be Changed?
When it comes to brake pads, the consensus seems to be more concerned with when the pads should be changed more than how often they should be replaced. The truth is, almost all car manufacturers recommend changing brake pads every 5,000-10,000 miles or when they become squishy. That said, there are guidelines that can help you decide when you need to change your brake pads. .
Brake pads are meant to provide a cushion between your vehicle and the road. They help to slow down your vehicle when you apply the brakes. If they wear out, they will cause noise when you apply the brakes and your brake light will activate on your vehicle’s dashboard.
What Are the Different Types of Brake Pads?
Brake pads are the part of your vehicle’s braking system that stops your vehicle when you press on the brake pedal. There are three major types of brake pads: open, semi-metallic and ceramic and galvanized. They differ in composition and application.
1. Open Pads
Open Pads are brake pads that can be used on a flat surface. They are made of metal, organic materials such as wood, stone or even glass. They are often used in areas that require a high level of friction bringing objects to a stop.
2. Semi-Metallic Pads
Semi-Metallic brake pads are made of metal and a ceramic compound. They have better braking performance than the open type but not as good as the ceramic type. This type of brake pad is used in high performance vehicles because they provide a balance between its stopping power and durability.
3. Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads are becoming increasingly popular since they do not create friction with the brake rotors. Ceramic brakes are preferable to other types of braking systems because they are easier to maintain and operate more efficiently.
4. Galvanized Brake Pads
Galvanized brake pads are coated in zinc to protect them from rust and corrosion. The zinc also helps dissipate heat, which can prolong the life of the brake pads.
How to Choose the Right Brake Pads for Your Vehicle?
Brake pads are very important for the safety of your vehicle. They help to decrease the speed of a vehicle when it is required.
There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing the best brake pads for your vehicle and here they are below:
- The type of brakes you want to buy (e.g. metal, ceramic or hybrid)
- Your budget
- Your driving style (e.g. how hard and often do you brake?)
- The type of vehicle you have
- The type of terrain that you drive on
NRS Brakes makes high quality brake pads that are easy to install, safe to use, quiet and will last the longest. Our galvanized pads are easy to maintain and have a high rate of success. They are able to withstand the heat and abrasiveness associated with braking. If you need to replace your old brake pads with new ones, reach out to one of NRS Brakes’ representatives today.