A quality brake pad provides maximum protection for your vehicle and your personal safety, but do you know what makes a quality brake pad?
There are 6 aspects that determine the quality of a brake pad.
The coefficient of the friction
For the brake pad, the coefficient of friction is the most important criterion of the braking performance. The Chinese national standard requires a working coefficient of friction of ±15% of the nominated coefficient of friction. A low coefficient of friction results in spongy brakes and long brake distance whereas a high coefficient of friction causes wheel locking.
High-temperature resistance
When braking a car, the brake pad is rapidly heated to a high temperature because of the friction generated. In this case, a quality brake pad is still capable of braking the car whereas brake failure occurs because the heat reduces the coefficient of the friction of the inferior brake.
Fitment
It is possible that a new brake pad does not fit your car. Poor fitment will result in unsteady driving and abnormal noise when braking. Only a bake pad with the same parameters as the original one can ensure perfect fitment.
Wear life (Service life)
The wear life of the brake pad is determined by its material. The better the abrasion resistance, the longer the service life.
Appearance
A quality brake pad requires a strict ratio of materials in manufacture, which ensures a full-color look, a level and smooth surface, and long-lasting paint. However, the appearance alone is not enough to accurately tell you the quality of the brake pad, so asking the merchant to provide a quality inspection report is the most straightforward way.
Usage scenarios
If you only drive for commuting on flat roads, a semi-metallic brake pad is a satisfactory and economical choice for you. If you have to drive a lot on uneven roads and hills or with heavy loads, then a ceramic brake pad would be more suitable.
