What are the types of brake pads?
3 Answers
Brake pads include: metal-based brake pads and carbon-ceramic brake pads. Metal-based brake pads are further divided into low-metallic brake pads and semi-metallic brake pads. Ceramic brake pads fall under the low-metallic category and require pairing with carbon-ceramic brake discs. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are particularly critical safety components in a car's braking system. Methods for maintaining brake pads include: 1. Adhering a layer of black felt or flannel cloth to the inner side of the front wheel guard plate to reduce tire noise; 2. Using pliers to adjust the gap at the connection point of the wiper blade and the rubber clip to eliminate wiper blade vibration and noise; 3. Wiping new bulbs with alcohol to remove fingerprints and oil stains, which can extend the bulb's service life; 4. Drilling a small hole at the lowest point under the muffler to prolong the muffler's service life.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I remember knowing little about brake pads initially. Over time, I learned to distinguish the types: organic brake pads are mainly made of resin, rubber, and fibers, commonly used in family cars—quiet and affordable but wear out faster; semi-metallic ones contain copper or steel powder, offering better braking performance at a moderate price, suitable for most daily drivers, though they might squeak when hot; ceramic ones are the most expensive but durable, with stable friction coefficients, ensuring reliable stops even in rain, ideal for high-speed driving or SUVs. There are also low-metallic types that fall between organic and semi-metallic. The material of brake pads directly impacts safety—avoid off-brands, or you might not stop in time during emergency braking. From my experience, always consult the repair shop for advice when replacing them and choose a balanced option based on your driving habits.
As a user who switched from an electric vehicle to a conventional car, I find it quite interesting how brake pads vary by vehicle type. Regular sedans like the Toyota Corolla typically use organic or semi-metallic pads, which are lightweight and fuel-efficient; SUVs such as the Highlander, due to their heavier loads, require ceramic or high-performance pads for better heat resistance; sports cars and racing cars are more particular, using metallic competition pads that offer quick braking but are noisier; electric vehicles like Teslas, because of their energy recovery systems, need special low-dust, eco-friendly formulations with longer lifespans. I've also noticed differences among brands: Brembo and Bosch are reliable, while some new domestic brands offer good cost-performance ratios. When choosing pads, always refer to the vehicle manual's recommendations—don’t just go for the cheapest option. Before hitting the highway, always check the pad thickness; replace them if they’re below 3mm—safety is no small matter.
