What type of brakes should i get

However, organic brake pads do have some disadvantages when compared to other types of brake pads. Organic brake pads can tend to wear out more quickly because of their composite nature, meaning they might have to be replaced more often.

They also tend to function best within a smaller range of temperatures. Organic brake pads also have a higher compressibility level, which means the driver has to press on the brake pedal with more force to engage them.

Ceramic brake pads are made from material very similar to the type of ceramic used to make pottery and plates. Ceramic brake pad material, however, is denser and considerably more durable.

Ceramic brake pads also have fine copper fibers embedded within them, to help increase their friction and heat conductivity. Since they were developed in the mids, ceramic brake pads have consistently increased in popularity for a number reasons:.

Yet ceramic brake pads do have some limitations. Primarily, their cost: due to higher manufacturing costs, ceramic brake pads tend to be the most expensive of all brake pad types. This can cause more wear and tear on other braking components.

The final type of brake pad is the semi metallic brake pad. Full metal brake pads are typically reserved for truly extreme braking requirements. These various metals are combined with graphite lubricant and other fillers to complete the brake pad. The metallic brake pad compounds available vary, each type offering their own advantages for everything from daily commutes to track racing. Brake pads sit inside the caliper and go along for the ride until you hit the brakes. The brake pedal lever pushes a piston inside the master cylinder that creates hydraulic pressure.

Brake fluid is incompressible, and it pushes another piston inside the brake caliper that clamps the brake pads onto the rotor. Friction between the brake pads and the metal rotor slows things down as kinetic energy transforms into heat. The most obvious symptom of worn out brake pads is a loud squealing or screeching noise when you hit the brakes.

Built-in wear indicators contact the rotor and sound off when the friction material wears beyond its limit. Electronic wear indicators activate a brake wear warning light. Brake shudder, scraping or grinding noise, and poor brake performance probably time for new brake pads, rotors, and possibly calipers.

Brake pads last anywhere from 30,, mile range. Driving style and location play a role. Stop and go urban driving, high-performance motoring, and heavy-duty hauling or towing can accelerate brake pad wear. Short distance or infrequent driving where road salt is used can ruin brake calipers and rotors long before the pads wear out.

NAO pads are softer than most other brake pads, which makes them quieter, but also means that they wear faster and may produce dust. Ceramic brake pads have excellent stopping power and disperse heat well. Ideal for most normal driving applications, they produce very little dust or noise and are long lasting. Many foreign and domestic vehicles are equipped with ceramic brake pad formulations from the factory.

Semi-metallic pads have good stopping power and are very efficient at dispersing heat. They can be noisy and do create more dust than ceramic brake pads. This type of pad is also made with friction materials that are harder than most others, so they may have more aggressive wear to your brake rotors. Selecting premium replacement brake pads for your repair job will give you the results you want. When you choose premium brake parts for your car, truck or SUV, you can rest easy knowing that you have selected the best brake parts for your vehicle.

Find the right Wagner brake pad for your vehicle with our brake selector tool. If you aren't sure which part to choose, take the time to do a little research on your own. Between manufacturer websites and independent sites for the do-it-yourselfer, the Internet can help you make an informed decision.

Additionally, if you are only presented one option and don't feel comfortable with the part that you are being offered, don't be afraid to ask your mechanic for an alternate option. Remember, it's your vehicle; you owe it to yourself and your passengers to make an informed decision.