In automobile maintenance, brake pads, as key safety components, directly affect driving safety and driving experience. Whether it is daily commuting or long-distance driving, it is crucial to understand the performance characteristics, replacement cycle and purchasing skills of brake pads. This article will share relevant knowledge about brake pads from an industry perspective to help car owners and practitioners make more informed choices.
Types and characteristics of brake pads
The mainstream brake pads on the market can be divided into three categories: semi-metallic brake pads, ceramic brake pads and organic brake pads. Semi-metallic brake pads are often used in high-performance vehicles or frequent braking scenarios because of their good heat dissipation and high temperature resistance. Ceramic brake pads are known for their low noise, low dust and long life, and are suitable for urban driving environments. Organic brake pads (also known as NAO brake pads) are low in cost, but their wear resistance and high temperature resistance are slightly inferior, and they are mostly used in economical vehicles.
Brake pads of different materials have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of braking effect, noise control and dust generation. Users need to choose suitable products according to their own driving habits and vehicle types.
Replacement cycle and maintenance recommendations
The replacement cycle of brake pads is usually 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, but the actual life is greatly affected by driving habits, road conditions and vehicle load. Frequent sudden braking or heavy-load driving will accelerate the wear of brake pads. It is recommended that car owners regularly check the thickness of brake pads (usually 3 mm is required for replacement) and braking performance.
In addition, the installation quality of brake pads directly affects their performance. Irregular installation may cause abnormal braking noise, eccentric wear and even safety hazards. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a professional maintenance organization for replacement and ensure that the brake cylinder returns to its position normally to avoid shortening the service life due to improper installation.
Purchase tips and market trends
When purchasing brake pads, you need to pay attention to product certification (such as ECE R90 standard) and friction coefficient (usually 0.35-0.45). High-quality brake pads should have stable braking performance, low noise and low dust characteristics. In recent years, environmentally friendly low-metal brake pads and ceramic composite brake pads have gradually become the mainstream of the market because they take into account both performance and sustainability.
For foreign trade practitioners, understanding the regulatory requirements of different countries for brake pads (such as EU REACH compliance) and market demand trends can help accurately position product directions.
Mastering the knowledge of purchasing and maintaining brake pads can not only improve driving safety, but also save long-term costs for car owners. With technological advances, brake pads will develop in a more efficient and environmentally friendly direction in the future, which deserves the industry's continued attention.
