In the automobile braking system, brake pads, as key components, directly affect driving safety and driving experience. With the advancement of material technology, the types of brake pads on the market are becoming increasingly rich, and products of different materials have significant differences in performance, life and applicable scenarios. Understanding these differences will help consumers and buyers choose the right products according to their needs.
Asbestos brake pads: a traditional product that is gradually being eliminated
Asbestos brake pads were once the mainstream product in the early days and were widely used because of their low cost and good wear resistance. However, asbestos fibers produce harmful dust during friction, and long-term inhalation may cause health problems. At present, most countries have banned the production of asbestos brake pads, and such products are almost no longer circulated in the foreign trade market.
Semi-metallic brake pads: a choice to balance performance and cost
Semi-metallic brake pads are made of metal fibers (such as steel and copper) as the main friction material, mixed with rubber, fillers and other ingredients. It is characterized by good heat dissipation and high temperature resistance, suitable for high-performance vehicles or frequent braking scenarios. However, the metal component may cause loud braking noise and obvious wear on the brake disc. This type of product is more common in the mid-range market and has a relatively high cost-effectiveness.
Ceramic brake pads: the representative of quietness and environmental protection
Ceramic brake pads are made of ceramic fiber, mineral filler and adhesive, and have the characteristics of low noise and low dust. Its friction coefficient is stable, the damage to the brake disc is small, and the service life is long, which is suitable for passenger cars that pursue comfort. However, the cost of ceramic materials is high, and the price is usually higher than that of semi-metallic products. They are mostly used in high-end models or modification markets.
NAO (non-asbestos organic matter) brake pads: a transitional solution for environmental protection upgrades
NAO brake pads completely abandon asbestos and use organic matter such as glass fiber, rubber, and resin as the base material. Its friction performance is close to that of traditional asbestos pads, but the dust and noise control are better than semi-metallic products. This type of brake pad is a transitional choice under the background of stricter environmental regulations and is widely used in economical vehicles.
How to choose a suitable brake pad?
Buyers need to comprehensively consider the vehicle type, use environment and customer needs. For example, commercial vehicles may pay more attention to wear resistance, while passenger cars tend to be quiet and comfortable. In addition, regulations in different regions have different standard requirements for friction materials, and exported products must ensure that they meet the certification requirements of the target market.
The material difference of brake pads directly determines their performance. With the improvement of environmental protection and safety standards, the market share of ceramic and NAO brake pads will further expand in the future, while traditional semi-metal products will still remain competitive in specific areas.
