Do Inexpensive Brake Pads Sacrifice Performance?
Your brakes are one part of your car where you don't want to sacrifice performance. Your brakes and tires form the perfect pair to keep your car driving safely down the road, so it's critical to choose the correct pads when it's time for a routine brake service. However, anyone who's ever glanced at any auto parts store or website knows that many options are available at many price points.
Should you always choose the most expensive brake pads available for your car? Will these higher-end options provide better braking performance, and if not, what advantages do they offer? This article will try to answer some of these questions so you can confidently select your car's next set of brake pads.
Why Do Some Brake Pads Cost More?
The primary difference between brake pads is in the formulation of their friction material. The friction material is the sacrificial part of the brake pad that wears away each time you step on your brakes. This material will grind down until it's thin enough to allow the wear strip to come into contact with your rotor, at which point it's time to service your brakes.
The three most common friction materials are organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. Individual manufacturers will use different formulations of different material combinations within these categories. In general, organic pads tend to be cheaper, while ceramic pads tend to be more expensive. Semi-metallic pads are less common on street cars and tend to be for aggressive or track driving.
Do Inexpensive Pads Perform Worse?
"You get what you pay for" is a common adage, but there are many caveats. In the case of brake pads, each material has its pros and cons. While organic pads tend to be the most inexpensive, these pads will still perform well and offer some advantages. For example, organic pads are quiet and can help extend rotor life. However, they also wear out quickly and typically produce more brake dust.
At the higher end of the scale, ceramic pads cost more. Although these pads offer marginally better performance than organic pads, their real advantages come from their longevity and minimal dust. On the other hand, ceramic pads are usually pricier than organic pads when comparing sets with equivalent quality.
Which Option is Right For You?
The best option will be different for every car and every driver. Are you willing to spend more for longer life and less brake dust? In that case, ceramic pads may be a good option for you. On the other hand, inexpensive organic pads can still offer solid braking performance if you'd prefer to save some money and don't mind a little extra dust and a softer pedal feel.
Choosing a quality brake pad is also critical, so it's a good idea to ask your local brake shop for recommendations. There can be significant variation between manufacturers, even within a specific type of brake pad, so an experienced mechanic can help you choose the highest-quality pad that meets your needs.
If you need new auto brakes, reach out to a local parts shop or auto mechanic.