English
Brake pads, this seemingly inconspicuous component, are one of the key actuators in the active safety system of automobiles. The material quality directly determines the braking efficiency, noise level, dust generation, durability, and wear of the brake disc. With the development of the automotive industry and the diversification of consumer demand, brake pad materials have moved from single to composite, and their technical connotations are becoming increasingly rich.
1、 Core quality evaluation dimensions
Before discussing specific materials, it is necessary to first clarify several core dimensions for evaluating the quality of brake pads:
Braking efficiency (friction): the ability to maintain a stable coefficient of friction at different temperatures, speeds, and pressures. The key is the resistance to thermal degradation (performance does not deteriorate at high temperatures).
Durability (lifespan): The degree of wear resistance of the material itself directly affects the replacement cycle.
Comfort and noise: When braking, it should be smooth and quiet, avoiding adverse phenomena such as screaming and shaking.
Environmental friendliness: whether it contains harmful substances (such as asbestos, heavy metals), and the amount of dust generated during braking.
Dual component friendliness: while ensuring braking force, minimize wear on the brake disc as much as possible.
Cold performance: the response speed of braking force in low-temperature environments.
2、 Mainstream material types and their quality characteristics
At present, passenger car brake pads are mainly divided into the following categories, each with its own material composition and quality performance:
1. Semi metallic brake pads
Main components: Metal fibers (such as steel, copper, iron) account for about 30% -70%, mixed with resin adhesives, friction modifiers, etc.
Quality characteristics:
Advantages: Strong braking force, especially performs well in the medium and low temperature range; Fast thermal conductivity, conducive to heat dissipation; Low cost and high cost-effectiveness.
Disadvantages: prone to noise and jitter; The brake disc wears out quickly; Heavy weight; Performance may decrease in low temperature or high humidity environments; High metal content may lead to rust.
Applicable vehicle models: Original factory configurations or mid to low end replacement markets for some economy and commercial vehicles.
2. NAO (non asbestos organic) brake pads
Main components: completely free of metal fibers, using glass fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, organic fibers, etc., combined with resin and a large amount of friction modifiers.
Quality characteristics:
Advantages: Suitable comfort, good control of noise and shaking; Very little wear on the brake disc; Less dust and light color, not contaminating the wheel hub; environment protection
Disadvantages: The high-temperature anti-aging performance is average, and performance may decrease under extreme driving conditions; The material cost is relatively high; The lifespan may not be as good as metal or ceramic formulations.
Applicable vehicle models: Original factory matching and replacement of mainstream market choices for comfortable and quiet family sedans and urban SUVs.
3. Low metal brake pads
Main components: Between semimetals and NAO, with low metal content (usually less than 30%), mainly composed of copper or steel fibers.
Quality characteristics:
Advantages: The braking sensation is more linear and sensitive; High temperature stability is superior to NAO; Dust is less than half metal.
Disadvantage: There is still a possibility of generating noise; Although there is less dust, it is mostly black; The wear of the disc is higher than that of NAO.
Applicable vehicle models: models that focus on certain sports performance and braking foot feel.
4. Ceramic brake pads
Main components: The term "ceramic" here does not refer to pure ceramics, but rather to advanced composite materials with ceramic fibers (such as aluminum silicate) and ceramic fillers as the core, possibly mixed with a small amount of copper fibers.
Quality characteristics:
Advantages: The overall performance is balanced. Excellent high-temperature anti-aging properties and stable performance; Almost silent, very comfortable; Less dust and lighter color; Long lifespan; The wear on the brake disc is extremely low.
Disadvantages: High manufacturing cost and expensive price; The initial braking response at very low temperatures may be slightly inferior to that of metal formulations; Some low-quality "pseudo ceramic" pieces flood the market.
Applicable vehicle models: Original factory matching and alternative options for mid to high end sedans, luxury cars, and performance cars.
3、 How to identify and select high-quality brake pads
View certifications and standards:
E-mark certification: a safety certification issued by the European Economic Commission, which is an important symbol of high quality.
OE matching: Choose brands that are originally matched with well-known vehicle manufacturers (such as Brembo, Tymington, Filodo, Garfa, Tianhe, Aqipolo, etc.), whose quality is reliable.
Friction coefficient identification: Check the "FF" grade on the packaging (such as FF grade), the combination of numbers/letters represents the friction coefficient at room temperature and high temperature, and EE grade or above is preferred.
Observe the appearance and craftsmanship:
Uniform texture: The friction material has a uniform color and no obvious impurities or pores.
Steel back treatment: The back plate should be thick and the anti rust coating (such as electrophoresis, painting) should be evenly and firmly applied.
Clear identification: The brand, model, production batch number, and other information are clearly identifiable.
Rationally view propaganda:
Caution should be exercised when it comes to "lifetime warranty": brake pads are consumables, and their lifespan is greatly affected by driving habits and road conditions.
Beware of "ultra-low price ceramic chips": The cost of real ceramic formulas is high, and so-called "ceramic chips" that are far below market prices may not live up to their name.
Matching vehicles with driving needs:
Daily commuting: Prioritize choosing NAO or high-quality low metal sheets, emphasizing comfort, quietness, and low dust.
Frequent driving on highways or mountain roads: Low metal or ceramic plates with more stable high-temperature performance should be selected.
Performance cars or aggressive driving: Ceramic or sporty formulations (which may sacrifice some comfort in exchange for heat resistance) are an option.
4、 Conclusion: There is no good, only suitable
The material quality of passenger car brake pads is a complex system engineering. High quality brake pads are products that strike a suitable balance between braking efficiency, durability, comfort, environmental friendliness, and cost.
For the vast majority of ordinary car owners, NAO or high-quality low metal formula brake pads produced by mainstream big brands can fully meet the needs of safety and comfort, and are the cost-effective choice. For car owners who have a higher pursuit of quality, products that truly use ceramic formulas can provide a superior, quieter, and cleaner comprehensive experience.
When choosing, it is important to identify legitimate channels and well-known brands, and refer to the vehicle manual recommendations to ensure proper installation. Because even the highest quality brake pads need to be perfectly matched with the vehicle's braking system in order to protect you.
