How to buy good quality brake pads
Brake pads sound soft, but they're not really soft and cozy at all. These components attach to the brake calipers to stop the discs (also known as rotors). The calipers press the pads against the discs...
Brake pads sound soft, but they're not really soft and cozy at all. These components attach to the brake calipers to stop the discs (also known as rotors). The calipers press the pads against the discs, which are mounted next to the tires, and this stops all operation when the brake pedal is pressed.
All this compression eventually wears out the brake pads, and they generally need to be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, give or take, depending on usage and pad type. Your brake pads need to be replaced when you hear that characteristic squeal or squeak, indicating metal-on-metal rubbing.
There are three different types of pads, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
organic: These brake pads were developed when there were health concerns associated with the raw material of disc brake pads, asbestos. Organic gaskets are made from a composite of various materials that can include rubber, glass, carbon, fiber, and more. They are affordable and quiet, but do not last as long as other types.
Semi-metal: Made of iron, copper, steel or other metal combined with fillers and graphite lubricant. Semi-metallic brake pads perform better than organic brake pads and are good at dissipating heat from the discs. They are more expensive and noisier than organic ones.
Ceramic: The newest players in the brake pad industry, which hit the market in the 1980s, ceramic brake pads are made up of a hardened ceramic material combined with copper fibers. Ceramics last the longest and are silent. However, ceramic pads do not perform as well in cold climates as semi-metal pads and are also the most expensive.
Things to keep in mind to make sure you are getting high quality brake pads:
Consider the secondary market: This is one of the few parts for which the OEM cannot beat the aftermarket in quality. Many cars roll off the production line with organic pads, which are the least efficient and least durable. There is a wide range of quality brands and types to choose from.
Choose a trusted brand: The brakes are one of those systems in your car that you need to be absolutely sure to replace with genuine and quality ones.
Check WarrantyA: It may be hard to believe, but you can get a brake pad warranty. AutoZone is renowned for its extremely liberal brake pad warranty/return policy. They even offer a lifetime replacement policy for some brands, so check which warranty is the best for the price first.
Certification: Look for D3EA (Differential Efficiency Analysis) and BEEP (Brake Performance Evaluation Procedures) certifications. They ensure that the brake pads meet certain minimum standards.
AvtoTachki supplies the highest quality brake pads to our certified field technicians. We can also install the brake pad you purchased. Click here for a quote and more information on changing brake pads.
