subject: Why Brake Pads Are Better For Braking [print this page] Brake Pads are used in disc brakes and this type of braking system has a number of advantages over drum brakes. What makes them different? It is in the way that force is applied when you press on the brake pedal. The pads are an important part of the process. Brake pads are steel backing plates with friction material bound to their surface. They face the disc brake rotor and convert the kinetic energy of the car to thermal energy by friction. This is what allows the car to stop when you apply pressure to the brake pedal.
Two brake pads are contained in the brake caliper. Their friction surfaces face the rotor. When the brakes are hydraulically applied, the caliper clamps or squeezes these two pads together. The pads are then pushed into the spinning rotor to slow or stop the moving vehicle. These pads will heat when they come into contact with the rotor. When the contact occurs, small amounts of friction material are transferred to the discs and they in turn become dull gray. When this happens, the brake pads and disc are both now considered friction material and will stick to each other. This is what makes the moving vehicle slow down or stop.
Most vehicles seen on the road only have two pads per caliper as this is more than sufficient to stop cars and trucks of this type. In contrast, racing calipers have up to six pads as they need more stopping force. This is due to the high speeds seen in this sport and makes the car safer for the drivers as they race around the track. Consider stopping your car at 65 miles an hour. How much space do you need to do so? Now consider the high speeds seen in car racing and you will understand why the brakes must be much more powerful to stop in a small area.
Disc brakes have many advantages over drum brakes and this is in large part due to the brake pads. Disc brakes stop better than drum brakes and they work effectively in wet conditions. Drum brakes cannot say the same. Disc brakes are also quieter than other types and much of this is due to the pads. Best of all, there is no breaking in period after you install a new set of pads. Consider all of this when purchasing a new car as it can make a difference in how well a vehicle performs.
