What are Brake Pads and their Price?

Ask any vehicle owner what the most important system in their vehicle is and I guarantee you that many will answer ‘The Brakes’. The braking system of a car is complex and needs the help of many components to work as intended. Brake pads rank at the top of that list and in this article, we will tell you all about these crucial components!

What Are Brake Pads?

The brake pads are one of the most important elements in the braking system of a vehicle. These are about the size of a palm and are made up of friction material and a backing plate. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the friction material is pushed against the rotor to slow down the vehicle.

When To Replace Brake Pads?

Typically, manufacturers recommend replacing the brake pads every 25,000 to 65,000 miles. However, this mileage varies depending on the road conditions as well as on your driving style.

There are some warning signs of brake pad wear. Some modern vehicles come with a brake-pad sensor mechanism that displays a warning light on the dashboard when it is time for a replacement. Squealing sounds when braking is another sign of worn brake pads, and this happens when the brake pads are grinded too thin. Although this is harmless, it should be fixed as soon as possible. Ignoring the brake pads for too long may cause you to have severe accidents in the future.

Types Of Brake Pads

Here in Ghana, you can find several types of brake pads to suit all driving styles. These include organic brake pads, semi-metallic pads, and ceramic brake pads.

Organic Brake Pads

Organic brake pads are the cheapest option out on the market. These are made by mixing materials like rubber, Kevlar, or fiberglass with a resin. Organic pads are best suited for everyday use. However, these are not that durable and should be changed more frequently.

Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

As the name suggests, these brake pads are made using a mixture of metal fibers, fillers, and resins. These pads offer better cooling than organic pads, while simultaneously offering better braking performance. Not only that, they are more durable as well. However, semi-metallic brake pads are more expensive to purchase and make more noise under braking.

Ceramic Brake Pads

Made with durable ceramic and copper fibers, ceramic brake pads offer the best performance. That is why you find ceramic brakes on most modern sports and supercars. The quiet nature and consistency make these pads popular among automotive enthusiasts. But, perfection comes at a cost, and ceramic brake pads are the most expensive type available for purchase.

Now you know all about what brake pads are and when to change them. One more thing, as an environmentally conscious individual, be sure to recycle used brake pads. Check out our website and social media pages for more articles like this one!