Cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles all have brake pads. Your vehicle’s disc brake rotors are slowed down by the friction caused by these components.
Every time you step on the brake pedal, the vehicle slows down and comes to a complete stop because of the friction.
The brake pads on our cars see a lot of action because of how frequently we press the brake pedal.
In order to get the best performance, longevity, noise, dust, and price, it is necessary to compare brake pads from different vehicles. The best brake pads for trucks and cars.
To begin, let’s take a look at the three primary types of brake pad materials currently available. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. They are not created equal.
Different Types of Brake Pads
As the kinetic energy of a moving vehicle is converted into thermal energy (a lot of heat) by the brake pads, the pads must be constructed from a material capable of dissipating heat effectively in order to function properly.
In older cars, the superior heat-dissipating properties of asbestos were used in the manufacture of brake pads.
Because asbestos is known to cause severe illness when inhaled, the use of alternative materials quickly became commonplace. In today’s market, there are three primary types of brake pad materials. Best brake pads for trucks and cars.
1. Metallic/Semi-Metallic
With a mixture of metals, graphite, and copper in an organic resin, metallic brake pads are known as semi-metallic pads.
Because they are so durable, the rest of the brake system typically wears out before the pads. If you use these, you run the risk of premature rotor wear.
Most automobiles make use of metallic brake pads due to the favorable cost-benefit ratio. They shine when used to stop heavy vehicles, but they’re also excellent for road vehicles.
In performance driving, these can be useful, but only if the car has time to warm up, as the material performs better when it’s warm.
2. Ceramic
A bonding compound holds a mixture of ceramic and filler material together to form synthetic or ceramic brake pads. It’s a great choice for aggressive driving because the ceramic dissipates heat very effectively and wears very slowly.
Brake pads must effectively dissipate heat because overheated pads do not function properly, if at all.
The friction coefficient of each pad material is meticulously designed so that if the temperature is outside the intended range, the material behaves differently.
Brake fade is the term used to describe the loss of braking power that occurs when the brakes overheat.
Ceramic brake pads are the most expensive, despite their many advantages. For the majority of motorists, the added performance isn’t worth the additional cost.
Being slower to reach operating temperature, this material may not be suitable for daily use. Even if the brake pads are too cold, operating them outside their intended heat range will increase stopping distance.
3. Organic
Organic brake pads, also known as non-metallic brake pads, are the most forgiving (and thus have a short lifespan).
Glass, rubber, and resin are common materials used in their construction, along with a small amount of metal fiber.
It’s possible to add Kevlar, a very strong organic material, but the price tag reflects the increased durability.
Organic brake pads reduce brake dust pollution and are simple to discard. This makes them ideal for vehicles that don’t require a lot of stopping power.
Best Brake Pads For Trucks And Cars
1. Akebono Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set
No matter what vehicle you’re driving, these Japanese Akebono brake pads will keep you safe. Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are examples of high-end automobiles where you might find them (even AMG).
Akebono brake pads are a popular mid-priced option because of their excellent combination of stopping power, longevity, and low brake dust.
2. Wagner Brake Pads – Ceramic
Wagner brake pads is one of the most well-known and long-standing brake part manufacturers in the industry today. All-around brake pads, have a long life, low brake dust, and excellent stopping power.
It doesn’t matter which Wagner brake pads ceramics you choose; they’ll all improve your braking performance.
3. StopTech Sport Brake Pads with Shims and Hardware
Brake pads from StopTech have some of the best performance on the market, making them ideal for spirited driving on windy, isolated roads, autocrosses, or track days. Of course, cop cars use StopTech brake pads.
As a result, these pads are ideal for heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs as they are capable of stopping such weight.
Another brand might be a better choice if keeping your wheels clean for long periods of time is a concern for you because they are known to cover your wheels with brake dust faster than other brands.
4. Bosch Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pad Set
In addition to making Bosch brake pads for nearly every vehicle on the road, Bosch is a well-known German brand. Audi, Nissan, Toyota, and Lexus owners are big fans of Bosch brake pads.
The QuietCast line of Bosch brake pads, which is very popular, provides excellent stopping power and quiet operation, all while producing very little brake dust.
5. AC Delco Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set
AC Delco brake pads are a great value when it comes to brake pad replacement. AC Delco pads are well-known for their low dust, low noise, and high performance.
GM truck and SUV owners love them, but they’re a good choice for any vehicle.
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FAQs About Best Brake Pads For Trucks And Cars
Are ceramic or metallic brake pads better?
Though metallic brake pads provide better “cold bite” before warming up, ceramic pads’ longevity and quietness make them the industry standard. “Brake fade,” a heat-induced condition exacerbated by heavy use or multiple stops, can degrade braking performance when ceramic pads are used.
How long should ceramic brake pads last?
Driving behavior ultimately determines brake pad life. Ceramic brake pads can last up to 60,000 miles under normal driving conditions, but some can last even longer. Performance brake pads favor stopping power and fade resistance over longevity and generally require replacement at shorter intervals. Additionally, drilled or slotted brake rotors can scrape brake pad material off with each pass, leading to increased wear.
Do ceramic brake pads stop better?
Due to the fact that they naturally dissipate heat, ceramic brake pads perform better under normal driving conditions during repeated hard stops. However, extreme racing applications usually demand the instant “cold bite” that metallic pads provide at a slight advantage over ceramic brake pads. The trade-off is that metallic pads’ stopping power can fade after several intense stops due to heat.
How do you break in new ceramic brake pads?
Proper brake “bedding in” involves mating the pad material to the rotor surface in a sequence of increasingly intense near-stops. Bed-in process should not be interrupted by a complete stop, which could leave an impression on the rotor surface. Once verifying that the brake system is fully functional at slow speeds, find a safe and isolated stretch of road. To slow the vehicle down to five mph, accelerate to 30 mph and then firmly apply the brake. Before normal braking, drive for several minutes to cool down the rotor surface and then repeat steps 40 and 50 again.
What happens if you don’t break in brakes?
Modern ceramic brake pads are designed to break in easily. Bed-in brakes incorrectly and the rotor surface will not be able to be properly matched to the pad material, causing the brake pad to lose friction. Holding the brakes after a hard stop can warp the brake rotor, causing vibration when braking from speed. This can cause pad imprints on the rotor.