The Best Front and Rear Brake Pads for Cars, Trucks
Replacing brake pads is a safety measure that can help you save a lot of money on costly repairs. Every vehicle needs a well-functioning brake system that includes new brake pads. That is why we have created this article to guide you to find the best front and rear brake pads for your car or truck. This post highlights replacement for brake pads for cars and brake pads for trucks. In other words, you will learn more about brake pads and brake pad replacement services.
Brake pad replacement can be a DIY thing unless you want to involve an expert mechanic in the process. Accordingly, choosing the best brake pads for your car and truck requires a lot of consideration.
What Makes the Best Brake Pads?
Brake pads have more than just the stopping power that most people look out for. For instance, the best brake pads should have good heat absorption and dispersion ability, produce less noise and dust, and should be long-lasting to prevent frequent wear. These are the factors that make the best brake pad.
What are the types of brake pads for cars and trucks?
Brake pads are mainly categorized into:
Non-asbestos organic brake pads
Non-asbestos organic brake pads are the softest brake pads in the market. This aspect also means they wear out faster than other brake pads. However, they are excellent if you want brake pads for lighter cars and trucks.
Ceramic brake pads
Ceramic brake pads are excellent for heat dispersion and come with more improved stopping power than non-asbestos organic brake pads. They also produce little noise and dust. These brake pads are excellent for the everyday driving experience.
Semi-metallic brake pads
Semi-metallic brake pads are very efficient when it comes to stopping power and heat dispersion. However, they generate more noise and dust. Semi-metallic brake pads are excellent for aggressive driving.
Wondering When to Replace Brake Pads?
Replacing worn-out brake pads is a crucial safety measure that may be the difference between life and death on the road. As brake pads bight into the rotors, they wear off bit by bit until they are too thin to function properly. That is why you should always ensure you replace your brake pads from time to time. Here are four signs that your brake pads need replacing.
- Squealing sound when braking
Whenever your brake pads are worn-out, cars and trucks with brake pads wear indicators will always produce a squealing noise when you engage the brakes. However, not all car models have this feature. Therefore, you may want to look out for the other three signs.
- Metallic grinding
When your brake pads and rotors are worn out, the backing plates start making contact with the drum or disc, producing a sound that resembles a grinding metal. The friction between the plates and disc is likely to alter the functioning of the brake pads, forcing replacement.
- Indicator lights
Some cars and trucks are fitted with indicator lights that signal when brake pads and rotors are worn out. These lights are always on the dashboard and easy to notice.
- The car takes time to stop
If you are keen enough, you will realize that there is an amount of pressure you apply on your brake pedal to slow down or stop the car. You should be wary about your brake pads whenever you notice that you need more than necessary pressure to bring the vehicle to a halt. New brake pads have excellent stopping power. On the other hand, worn-out brake pads do not.
What Are the Types of Brake Pad Replacement Services?
There are three types of brake pad replacement services. Here are your options:
Brake pad replacement
You can opt for replacing your brake pads alone. To most people, this is often the fastest and most cost-effective option. However, it does not mean that it is always the best move. This type of service involves the removal of worn-out brake pads and replacing them with new ones without replacing any other part of the braking system. In other words, you can change brake pads without changing brake rotors.
Brake pad replacement + brake rotor resurfacing
Sometimes, you might want to replace your brake pads while keeping the old rotors. However, you will have to turn the rotors so that the inner part faces outward for more grip. This is an excellent option if you are not ready to buy new brake rotors but do not want to compromise the stopping power.
Brake pad and brake rotor replacement
The last option involves replacing the brake pads and rotors simultaneously. This is always the best move if you want to improve the functionality of your car. It maintains efficiency and guarantees top performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of brake pads is best for my car/truck?
There is no definite answer to this question. Every car or truck is designed differently. This means that you need brake pads and rotors depending on your car type and model. Other factors might also come into play. For instance, consider your driving style and brake pads and rotors costs. Additionally, you might want to check with your manufacturer or car dealer to identify the best brake pads for your car/truck.
How long should my brake pads last?
Depending on your driving style and the type of brake pads you use, you should at least cover 50,000 miles before replacing brake pads. However, you may want to check for signs of worn brake pads to be sure when you should replace your brake pads.
Which brake pads have the best stopping power?
Ceramic brake pads offer excellent stopping power in normal driving conditions. However, the brake pads with the best stopping power are semi-metallic brake pads.
The Bottom Line
Brake pads and rotors are the most crucial part of your car’s braking system. Any failure in these can lead to accidents that endanger your life. Therefore, you should always prioritize replacing your brake pads and rotors at the first sign of wear and tear. If you are unsure where to start, this article should point you in the right direction.
