![]() ![]() Since they were developed in the mid-1980s, ceramic brake pads have consistently increased in popularity for a number reasons: Ceramic brake pads also have fine copper fibers embedded within them, to help increase their friction and heat conductivity. ![]() Ceramic brake pad material, however, is denser and considerably more durable. CERAMIC BRAKE PADSĬeramic brake pads are made from material very similar to the type of ceramic used to make pottery and plates. Organic brake pads also have a higher compressibility level, which means the driver has to press on the brake pedal with more force to engage them. They don’t perform as well as semi metallic brake pads in extreme weather or when they are being pushed too hard and overheat. They also tend to function best within a smaller range of temperatures. Organic brake pads can tend to wear out more quickly because of their composite nature, meaning they might have to be replaced more often. However, organic brake pads do have some disadvantages when compared to other types of brake pads. Organic brake pads also tend to be quiet and don’t put much stress on the brake rotors, which is a plus since brake rotors are often costly to repair or replace if damaged. ![]() Unlike performance brake pads, which are primarily used in heavy and high-performance vehicles, organic brake pads generate a moderate amount of friction without much heat being present, making them suitable for drivers who use their cars for everyday driving and commuting. They tend to produce less dust than some other types of brake pads, such as metallic pads, and are available at a lower price point. Organic brake pads, which come standard on about 67% of new vehicles sold within the United States, are made of a mixture of fibers and materials such as rubber, carbon compounds, glass or fiberglass, and KevlarⓇ, and are bound together with resin. As a result, organic brake pads - or non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake pads - were created to fill the gap. Manufacturers realized asbestos wasn’t a safe compound to use in braking systems. When these asbestos-based brake pads had worn down, they would release asbestos into the air for drivers to unknowingly inhale. However, asbestos was discovered to be a highly-potent carcinogen, causing cancer in those with prolonged exposure. The brake pads in disc brakes were initially made from asbestos, a heat-absorbing material well-suited for the wear and tear that brake pads take on. It wasn’t until the mid-to-late 20th century, as drum brakes were increasingly replaced by modern disc brakes, that manufacturers began producing the ceramic, metallic and organic brake pads used today. Since then, the materials used to make brake pads have evolved with advances in technology. Bertha Benz - famous inventor and wife of Mercedes-Benz founder Karl Benz - is credited with creating the first brake pads out of leather for an early patent of their automobile in 1888. The first use of brake pads goes all the way back to the 19th century. Some replacement rotors are available drilled and/or slotted to help shed water and heat.These days, drivers typically have a choice between three types of brake pads: ceramic vs. Cast iron rotors can be one-piece or have a stamped steel center section. Brake rotor metallurgy and design can vary according to application. Rotors can also become grooved if the pads wear to the point the rivets or backing plate grind the rotor surface. As rotors wear they become thinner, and if allowed to wear below their minimum thickness they will no longer be able to dissipate heat properly, and can become warped or even cracked. No matter the type of pad used, eventually brake rotors wear out and must be replaced. They provide excellent braking, with little noise, and less dusting and rotor wear. Ceramic compounds have ceramic fibers and softer metal fibers like copper. They are durable and great for high temperature applications, but they are tough on rotors and can be noisy. Semi-metallic pads contain a large amount of metal fibers like steel. ![]() They are softer, generally wear faster and create a lot of brake dust. NAO pads are made from organic materials like glass and rubber. Most vehicles today have four-wheel disc brakes and pads are available in Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO), semi-metallic and ceramic formulations. Fluid in a hydraulic system multiplies the force applied by your foot on the brake pedal to apply the pads and shoes against the rotors and drums. In this system, friction created by pressing stationary pads and shoes against rotors and drums that rotate with the wheels converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat. Because of the brake system, you can slow your vehicle and bring it to a complete stop in a safe, controlled and predictable manner. ![]()
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