Understanding Brake Pads: Types, Functions, and Maintenance Tips

Car brake pads are one of the most vital safety features of the braking system of your car because they have a huge responsibility on their shoulders to stop your vehicle as and when required. Whether you are an experienced or a new driver, this guide wraps everything you need to know about brake pads, functions, types, maintenance, when to change car brake pads and how to choose the right ones for your automobile.

What Are Brake Pads?

Brake pads are friction parts located within the braking system when pressed against the brake rotors (discs) to create the friction required to control and stop your motorcar. When you press the brake pedal, the hydraulic fluid pushes the callipers, which then squeeze the brake pads against the rotors (discs). Overall, this procedure transforms kinetic energy into heat energy, thereby slowing down your car on time. Car brake pads are built to tolerate intense levels of heat and pressure under tough driving conditions in the UAE. However, because they are continuously in use, they do wear out over time. And, if you drive very often, the brake pads may wear out faster and show a need for replacement. Yet, regular brake pads service helps keep them in good condition and assures your safety on the road.

Types of Brake Pads

Brake pads come in several types, shapes, and materials, each offering unique benefits depending on your driving style and vehicle requirements. When it comes time for brake pad replacement, understanding the different types is helpful so that you get the most suitable ones for your car. Generally, there are four types of car brake pads available in the market:

1. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

These are composed of metal (30%-70%), such as iron, steel, or copper, mixed with other materials. They are durable, budget-friendly and highly effective for heavy-duty driving. However, they are a bit noisy and undergo fast wear and tear.

2. Ceramic Brake Pads

These are made from ceramic material combined with fine copper threads and are a popular choice for their heat absorption and quiet braking properties. They have a longer lifespan when compared to semi-metallic ones, but when it comes to working under extreme conditions, they are less efficient.

3. Organic Brake Pads (Non-Asbestos Organic, NAO)

These are made from materials such as rubber, copper fibre, glass fibre, aramid fibre, and graphite. The brake pads made from these materials are softer, quieter, and rotor-friendly. However, these wear out fast, producing more dust. Also, they are best for small cars and city-driving vehicles.

4. Low-metallic NAO Brake Pads

These car brake pads are made from organic materials with 10%-30% metals. These deliver better braking performance than organic pads but generate more noise and dust.

How do Brake Pads work?

When you press the brake pedal, the braking system of your car gets triggered, sending hydraulic fluid through the brake pipes towards the callipers. Then, these callipers press the brake pads against the spinning rotors, creating friction, which ultimately slows the moving wheels and brings the vehicle to a halt. The materials used in brake pads are engineered to create sufficient friction while dissipating the heat produced during braking.

How Brake Pads Affect Car’s Performance and Safety

Brake pads directly affect the ability of your car to stop, and if they are worn out or are made of low-quality material, then they can have the following effects on your vehicle:

1. Increase Stopping Distance

Worn-out or poor-quality car brake pads can lower friction, in turn leading to longer stopping distance and can be dangerous in emergency braking. So, if your stopping distance is increased, it could make the difference between avoiding a collision or not. Therefore, regularly checking and replacing your brake pads is important to keep everyone safe.

2. Affect Handling

Uneven or worn-out brake pads can cause your car to pull to one side or shake, making it harder to control. If your brake pads are uneven or worn out, they can lead to all sorts of issues with how your car handles. It happens because the brake pads are no longer applying uniform pressure onto the brake discs, making your car feel like it is fighting you on wet roads or during a quick stop.

3. Reduce Disc Lifespan

Using poor-quality car brake pads can end up damaging your brake rotors, as the brake pads are meant to create friction to slow you down, but when they are not up to quality, they can cause uneven wear on the rotors. Ultimately, it can lead to scoring or general damage to the surface. Therefore, regular brake pad service is one of the easiest ways to prevent unexpected and expensive fixes.

4. Compromise Safety

Faulty car brake pads can fail during urgent situations, endangering you and others on the road. If your brake pads are not properly working, there is a chance that they could fail an emergency stop or traffic. Therefore, regular brake maintenance is essential, not just for the longevity of your car but for everyone’s safety.

Maintenance Tips for Brake Pads

With the right maintenance schedule and proper brake pads service, you can prolong the life and working conditions of car brake pads. Also, here are a few useful maintenance tips for your brake pads that you can keep in mind:

1. Regular Checks

Schedule regular car maintenance and give special attention to the health of your brake pads. Also, you can have a look at them to check their condition so that you can catch any early wear to prevent bigger issues. A simple visual check or a professional inspection will help ensure your pads are still in good shape.

2. Avoid Aggressive Driving

Frequent hard braking or slamming the brakes can wear them down much faster. Also, try to keep a safe following distance to predict the stops before, as it allows you to brake more easily, thereby preserving the function of the brake pads for a longer run.

3. Keep Rotors Clean

Dirt and debris on the rotors can create uneven wear on your brake pads by reducing their function. So, make sure your brakes are clean, and if you notice any debris lodged around the rotors, get it cleaned off to prevent unnecessary brake pad wear.

4. Flush Brake Fluid

Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture and leads to unwanted corrosion. It makes your car braking system slow and effective. So, flush and replace the brake fluid regularly to keep the braking system in top-notch condition and to prolong the life of both brake pads and rotors.

5. Replace Pads in Pairs

Always try to replace the brake pads in pairs, that is, both sides of the axle, as it ensures that the braking remains balanced and prevents your vehicle from pulling to one side.

6. Invest in High-Quality Car Brake Pads

We all know that high-quality brake pads are a bit expensive, but they can pay off in the long run because premium car brake pads tend to last longer, perform better, and create less dust/noise when compared to the cheaper alternatives. Moreover, high-end brake pads are a smart investment for the safety and performance of your automobile.

Brake Pads and Noise: What Sounds Indicate a Problem?

Have you ever wondered why the braking system of your car is making a noise? When you hear grinding, squealing or any unusual sound, take a look at what these noises are trying to tell you. Unusual sounds while applying braking often signal an underlying problem with your brake pads. So, if you hear the following type of noise, do not ignore them and get your car checked by a car professional soon:

• Squealing - it can be caused by the accumulation of dirt or the brake pads being worn out.
• Grinding - this noise indicates that the braking pads are fully worn out, and the backing plate is damaging the rotor now.
• Clicking - this sound could suggest that the brake pads are loose or ill-fitted.
• Vibration - if your brake pads vibrate/shake, this implies a worn-out or distorted rotor.

How to Choose the Right Brake Pads: DIY vs Professional

Choosing the right brake pads depends on your driving style, vehicle type, and preferences. If you are the one who commutes daily to the office by your car, go for ceramic or organic brake pads for smooth and quiet braking. If you have a heavy-duty vehicle, opt for semi-metallic pads, as they are better for trucks and SUVs due to their sustained durability. Choosing the right brake pads depends on your driving style, vehicle type, and preferences. Invest in performance pads designed for heat resistance and stopping power, if you require performance-related driving.
When deciding between a DIY brake pad replacement and a professional installation, consider the following factors:

DIY Brake Pads Replacement

Replacing your brake pads yourself can be a great way to save money, but this job is not for everyone, as you need to have a solid understanding of the braking system of your car and its associated mechanical work. Along with this, you should have the right tools and a good amount of patience and time.

Professional Installation

If you are not comfortable with the complexity of brake systems or you don't have enough time, visiting a professional service like the Auto Fix car service centre could be your best choice because their professional brake pad replacement service offers expertise, warranty, peace of mind, and safety under one roof.

When to Change Car Brake Pads?

Changing the brake pads of your car is not only vital for your car but also for your and people's safety on the road. Generally, you need to change car brake pads when they are worn down, you see grooves in the rotor, or when the car is pulling to one side. However, common signs include reduced braking power, a vibrating brake pedal and squeaking or grinding noises. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is the right time to get them changed. Typically, brake pads need to be changed after completing 30,000 Km, but factors like your driving style, car type and driving terrain can affect this. Also, you can always trust a professional car service in Dubai to inspect them if you are unsure!

Conclusion

Understanding the basics of brake pads is important for the safety and performance of your car. These are little underrated heroes of your braking system standing tall between you and any mishaps. You need to be proactive in recognising the signs of wear on brake pads to save time and money. Picking the right pair of car brake pads through professional help ensures that your braking system remains safe and reliable because they guarantees your safety and that of others on the highway. Also, you can lengthen the life of the brake pads and braking system of your vehicle by visiting AutoFix multi-brand car service in Dubai and experience a smooth driving experience. Brake pad replacement and periodic car maintenance not only ensure the safety of your car but also make you more confident while driving on the challenging terrain of the UAE. Be proactive with professional car services in Dubai and boost the performance of your car.