Which Brake Pads are for me!

How to determaine the best brake pad for your car The braking system is one of the most essential elements of vehicle safety. A high percentage of complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) involve brakes. Brake pads naturally wear out over time. The cheapest brake job may compromise safety and the most expensive may not necessarily be safer than the standard part. Luckily, it isn't very hard to change them yourself rather than going through the expensive mechanic and having him charge you not only for the part but also his labor. When buying your brake pads however, you will have to ask yourself a key question: What type of brake pad is right for me? There are many different types of friction compounds when it comes to brake pads but there may be design complications. This is important to remember. For example, a brake pad with a high heat transfer (therefore having better stopping power) may be contradicted by a high amount of undesirable brake dust or noise. This is also true of softer brake pads. These will be quieter and have a soft pedal feel but will also wear out faster. When it comes to buying the right pad, there are 4 types to choose from. Semi-Metallic brake pads are made from ranges of 30-60% metal. These metals can consist of chopped steel wool or wire, iron powder, or copper. They are mixed with inorganic fillers and friction modifiers that bind the ingredients together. Semi-Metallic pads have a very good heat transfer and are more durable. The negatives are that they may wear down rotors faster, can be noisy, and may not perform optimally at lower temperatures. Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) brake pads are made from fibers ranging from glass, rubber, carbon, and Kevlar. They are bound by organic filler materials and have also have their pros and cons. They are definitely softer and quieter, producing a smoother pedal feel, but they also wear out faster and create more brake dust. Low Metallic NAO pads are an organic formula made with 10-30% metal. Copper or steel is mainly the metal of choice. They have better heat transfer and stopping power. The downside is that they produce more brake dust and can be noisier due to the metal. Ceramic pads are the high-end style of brake pad. They are made from ceramic fibers with non-ferrous fillers and bonding agents and may contain a small amount of metal. They are lighter colored and provide a cleaner pedal feel and are very quiet. They display excellent stopping power with less rotor wear. This is especially worth the extra money if you ride custom wheels to keep them clean and maximize your brake life.