What kind of brake pads come from the factory?
When it comes to the brake pads on your vehicle, the ones that come installed from the factory are typically made of semi-metallic or organic materials. These factory-installed brake pads are designed to provide a balance of performance, durability, and noise reduction to meet the manufacturer's specifications.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Semi-metallic brake pads are a common type of factory-installed brake pad. They contain a mixture of metal fibers, such as steel, copper, or brass, embedded in a friction material. Semi-metallic pads offer good braking performance, high heat resistance, and long lifespan. However, they can also produce more brake dust and noise compared to other types of brake pads.
Organic Brake Pads
Organic brake pads, also known as non-asbestos organic (NAO) pads, are another type of factory-installed brake pad. These pads are made of a combination of materials, such as glass, rubber, and organic fibers, bound together with a resin. Organic pads tend to be quieter and produce less brake dust than semi-metallic pads, but they may have a shorter lifespan and be less effective in high-heat situations.
Choosing Replacement Brake Pads
When it's time to replace your vehicle's brake pads, you can choose to stick with the same type of factory-installed pads or explore other options, such as ceramic or performance-oriented brake pads. The choice will depend on your driving needs, budget, and personal preferences.
- Semi-metallic pads: Good all-around performance, but may produce more noise and dust.
- Organic pads: Quieter and cleaner, but may have a shorter lifespan.
- Ceramic pads: Offer a balance of performance, low noise, and low dust, but are typically more expensive.
- Performance pads: Designed for high-performance driving, but may have a shorter lifespan and produce more noise and dust.
Ultimately, the type of brake pads that come from the factory are a compromise between various factors, and the choice of replacement pads will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
What are the best brake pads made from?
CERAMIC. 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.
What is the downside of ceramic brake pads?
Cons: Higher Cost: Ceramic brake pads tend to be more expensive than organic and semi-metallic options. Not Ideal for Extreme Conditions: While they perform well under most conditions, ceramic pads may not be as effective for extreme driving situations, such as high-speed racing or heavy towing.
What type of brake pads are OEM?
On the other hand, OEM brake pads are often semi-metallic and are made of various metallic materials, such as shredded metal wire, iron powder, and steel wool. Ceramic and OEM brake pad manufacturers use different metallic materials to make their products.
Are factory brake pads better than aftermarket?
Cheap aftermarket brake pads may make more cent, but compromising your own personal wellbeing and safety doesn't make any sense. Plus, cheap brakes that only last 30,000 miles will need to be replaced at least twice as often as good OEM brakes that last 70,000 miles.
