Brake pads

Car brake pads are an essential component for vehicle safety and performance. Their function is to slow down or stop the movement of the wheels by pressing against the brake discs using the hydraulic action of the brake fluid. Brake pads are made of a friction material that wears down with use and must be replaced periodically to prevent failure or breakdown. The type and quality of brake pads influences braking distance, noise, dust and disc wear. Therefore, it is important to choose the right brake pads for each model and type of driving, as well as to perform preventive maintenance and a periodic check of the braking system.

Among the most prominent brands of brake pads are:

- Brembo: It is an Italian brand that specializes in the manufacture of high-quality and high-performance braking systems for both street and racing cars. Its brake pads offer excellent power, resistance to wear and heat, and a low level of noise and dust.

- Bosch : Bosch car brake pads are essential components for ensuring braking safety and performance. These pads are manufactured using high-quality materials and innovative technology, tailored to the specifications of each car model. In addition, Bosch brake pads comply with strict ECE R-90 standards and are subject to rigorous testing under extreme conditions.

There are different types of brake pads depending on their composition and characteristics. Some of the most common are:

- Semi-metallic brake pads: These contain at least 65% metal, such as iron, copper or steel, with the remainder being inorganic materials such as graphite. They have good thermal conductivity and wear resistance, but can be noisy and damage brake discs due to their hardness.

- Low-steel brake pads: contain less than 30% metal and the rest is made up of organic materials such as resins, fibres or rubber. They have a lower coefficient of friction than semi-metallic pads and are gentler on brake discs, but they wear out faster and lose effectiveness at high temperatures.

- Organic brake pads: contain less than 15% metal and the rest are synthetic materials such as Kevlar, glass or carbon. They are the softest and quietest, but also the ones that wear out the most and are the least resistant to heat. They are suitable for light cars and smooth driving.

- Ceramic brake pads: contain ceramic fibres, synthetic rubber and non-ferrous metals. They are the most expensive and offer the best performance in terms of durability, thermal stability, noise and dust reduction. They are ideal for sports cars and demanding driving.

The choice of brake pad type depends on the type of car, driving style and environmental conditions. It is important to consult the manufacturer's manual or a specialist workshop to find out which pads are most suitable for each case. It is also important to change the pads when the wear limit indicated by the manufacturer or by the warning light on the dashboard is reached, as worn pads can compromise safety by lengthening the braking distance or causing abnormal vibrations or noises.