Buying new brake pads is not something that you should take lightly. You cannot just buy any type of brake pad that you come across. Instead, you need to be more careful with the brake pads that you want to buy.

So you think that any brake pad will work o your car? That will never be the case. You may easily end up with a wrong type of brake pads, a decision that will leave you with lots of regrets.

So, how can I choose the right brake pads for my car?

Don’t worry as this article is going to guide you on how to choose the best brake pads.

Choosing the right brake pad is becoming more difficult

There is no doubt that doing brake pad replacement is no longer a walk in the park.

Unlike in the past when your choice was limited to just a few brake pads in the market, nowadays you have to choose from many different types and brands of brake pads.

There is also a major evolution in the braking system technology. We now have the advanced braking technologies that re dominating the markets.

Also, you may find yourself torn between OEM brake pads vs the aftermarket brake pads.

This is why you need to take your time before buying new brake pads.

When to replace the brake pad percentage?


Under normal circumstances, you should replace the brake pads before they are completely worn out.

Most brake pad manufacturers recommend that the brake pads should at least have the optimal stopping power before they are replaced.

The most recommended brake pad percentage is 25%. This one is not only able to keep you safe on the roads but also to prevent damage on the rotor and other brake system components.

How long do the brake pads last?

Apart from the percentage, brake pad manufacturers also give the mileage of the brake pads.

This is the total distance that the brake pads should cover before they are replaced.

Most brake pad manufacturers advise that you should replace brake pads after they have covered between 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Of course, this brake pad mileage varies depending on many other factors.

Although you will also need to replace the brake rotors, they tend to last longer than the brake pads.

The most recommended mileage for brake rotors is between 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles.

By replacing the brake pads in good time, you will be able to preserve the lifespan of the brake rotor.

Signs you need to replace brake pads


In addition to using the information from the brake pad manufacturer, there are physical signs that will tell you it is time for brake pad replacement.

One of the symptoms is brake squealing. A loud squealing noise that is produced whenever you step on the brake pedal is a sign that you need to replace the brake pads.

Another symptom is pulses or vibrations whenever you are braking. This is usually an indicator of warped brake pads that need to be replaced.

What Should I Look for When Buying Brake Pads?

Do you want to buy the correct brake pads for your car? There are several things that you should be keen on.

The most basic thing that you should consider is the type of car that you drive.

Some brake pads are designed for commuting. This means that they cannot be subjected to high temperatures or extreme braking force.

On the other hand, high-performance brake pads are designed for optimum performance.

Meanwhile, here are some of the most important features that you should look for in brake pads:

 

-Weather performance: Find out the performance of the brake pads in different weather conditions.

The best brake pads should perform well whether it is wet, dry, hot or cold.

 

-Maximum operating temperature (MOT): Find out the maximum temperature that the brake pad can reach before it is rendered unsafe.

 

-Cold and hot bite: The cold bite and hot bite are the frictional forces that the brake pad can generate regardless of the temperature change.

 

-Dust levels: How much dust does the brake pads generate when in operation.

 

-Noise levels: You should consider the level of noise that is generated by the brake pads

 

-Brake pad lifetime: Find out the recommended lifetime according to the manufacturer.

 

Different Types of Brake Pads

After putting the factors above into consideration, you can go ahead and buy new brake pads for replacement.

But before you do that, you should different types of brake pads, their properties and whether they are suitable for your vehicle.

Here is a brief overview of the main types of brake pads that you may consider buying.

 

  1. Organic brake pads: These brake pads are made of organic compounds such as glass, fiber, rubber, and carbon.

Although these brake pads are known for their silent, they tend to wear out at a fast rate.

These brake pads are the best option for the light commuter vehicle.

 

  1. Semi-Metallic Brake pads

These brake pads comprise of metal elements and other adhesive materials.

Some of the metals include steel, iron, and copper.

These brake pads are durable and have excellent heat management.

If you own trucks, SUVs and other heavy vehicles, then this is the right brake pads for you.

 

  1. Ceramic brake pads

Most high performance brake pads are made of ceramic material. They can withstand high temperatures and high braking force.

These brake pads are ideal for sports and racing cars.

The only drawback is their prices. These are the most expensive brake pad types

Before Buy the Brake Pads…

Now that you have chosen the type of brake pad that you want, you can go ahead and make the purchase.

But before you pay for the brake pads, consider the following factors:

The certification of the brake pads

-Warranty of the brake pads

-Brake pad brand or manufacturers

Once you are sure of these three factors, you can now go ahead and buy the right brake pads for your vehicle.

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How to choose the right brake pad