Brake pads Full-time Job

Brake pads are a component of disc brakes used in automotive and other applications. Brake pads are composed of steel backing plates with friction material bound to the surface that faces the disc brake rotors.

Brake pads convert the kinetic energy of a vehicle to thermal energy through friction. Two brake pads are contained in the brake with their friction surfaces facing the rotor. When the brakes are hydraulically applied, the caliper clamps or squeezes the two pads together onto the spinning rotor to slow and stop the vehicle. When a brake pad heats up due to contact with the rotor, it transfers small amounts of its friction material onto the disc, leaving a dull grey coating on it. The brake pad and disc (both now having the friction material), then "stick" to each other, providing the friction that stops the vehicle.

In disc brakes, there are usually two brake pads per disc rotor. These are held in place and actuated by a caliper affixed to the wheel hub or suspension upright. Racing calipers, however, can utilize up to six pads, with varying frictional properties in a staggered pattern for optimum performance. Depending on the properties of the material, the weight of the vehicle, and the speeds it is driven at, disc wear rates may vary. The brake pads must usually be replaced regularly (depending on pad material) to prevent brake fade. Most brake pads are equipped with a method of alerting the driver when this needs to be done. A common technique is manufacturing a small central groove whose eventual disappearance by wear indicates the end of a pad's service life. Other methods include placing a thin strip of soft metal in a groove, such that when exposed (due to wear) the brakes squeal audibly. A soft metal wear tab can also be embedded in the pad material that closes an electric circuit when the brake pad wears thin, lighting a dashboard warning light.

When do I change my car brake pads?

The life of car brake pads ;is determined primarily by how hard they are used. If your driving style is generally fast acceleration, which demands hard barking at the next stop, then the pads will wear out faster. A more gentle driving style will of course prolong the life of your pads.

What are brake pads backing plates?

In a disc brake design, the friction material also called a friction block or “puck” is attached to steel brake pads backing plates ;with rivets, adhesive, or a newer NRS mechanical retention system. The backing plate is made from steel and transfers force from the brake caliper piston evenly across the backing plate to apply the friction material to the brake rotor.

What goes wrong with a brake pad backing plate?

Ceramic Car Brake Pads

Another option for brake pads is ceramic car brake pads. These brake pads are made from ceramic very similar to the type of ceramic used to make pottery and plates but are denser and a lot more durable. Ceramic brake pads also have fine copper fibers embedded within them, to help increase their friction and heat conductivity.

SEMI-METALLIC BRAKE PADS

The final type of brake pad is the semi metallic brake pad. Semi metallic brake pads ;are different from fully metal brake pads in that they use fillers to create the pad compound instead of using 100% metal. Full metal brake pads are typically reserved for truly extreme braking requirements

Our low metallic brake pads ;are famous for their high thermal threshold and their exceptional ability to draw heat away from the rotor aiding in more efficient brake cooling, thanks to their premium quality formula. They are also long-lasting and durable and are known for their high versatility. Moreover, Valor's low metallic brake pads' positive molding and thermo-scorched manufacturing give a more consistent braking power reducing the initial brake-in time.