What Material Are Car Brake Pads Made Of?
2 Answers
Car brake pads are made of asbestos-free friction materials, and the replacement cycle for brake pads is approximately 80,000 kilometers. Car brake pads refer to the friction materials fixed on the brake drum or brake disc that rotates with the wheel. The friction linings and friction blocks within them withstand external pressure to generate friction, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicle deceleration. The method for replacing car brake pads is as follows: 1. Lift the car and remove the tire; 2. Unscrew the fixing screws on the brake caliper and remove the brake caliper; 3. Remove the old brake pads and push back the brake caliper piston; 4. Clean the installation bracket of the brake disc and install the new brake pads.
I've been driving for decades, and brake pad materials have changed significantly. Early on, most used asbestos-based materials, but they were later found to be carcinogenic and were phased out. Nowadays, there are three mainstream types: semi-metallic materials, which contain iron fibers, are wear-resistant and affordable, but noisier and produce more dust; organic materials, made of non-asbestos compounds, are quiet and eco-friendly, though they wear out faster; and ceramic materials, which use non-metallic fibers, offer good heat dissipation, less dust, and longer lifespan, but are more expensive. For my own driving, I choose ceramic pads for highway use to reduce the risk of heat fade. For daily commuting, organic pads offer good value for money. Remember, poor-quality materials can lead to brake failure, so I regularly check the thickness—anything less than 3mm must be replaced. Never skimp on this small expense; safety comes first.
