ATE Car Brake Pads
What are car brake pads?
A brake pad is a thin block, typically one of a pair, which presses onto the disc in a disc brake.
At e-CAR, we only stock quality parts, and this is especially true when it comes to the brands of brake pads we use.
ATE offers a warranty against any manufacturing defect for the life of the product on the provision that the product is fitted to a properly maintained hydraulic brake system by a qualified technician, the pads/shoes are not fitted to discs/drums in poor condition and that the product is not used in an abnormal driving condition, for example, motor racing, overloading, etc. At e-CAR, we fit front and rear brake pads for all makes of vehicles.
Metallic Brake Pads
Pros:
o Relatively speaking, they are less expensive than the comparable ceramic brake pads.
o They are more aggressive with better bite than ceramic brake pads.
o They are available in heavier duty towing formulations, for trucks and SUV’s.
o When coupled with Drilled and Slotted Rotors they help pull heat away from the center of the braking system
Cons:
o Due to their formulation they tend to generate more black dust.
o They are more abrasive than ceramic and could possibly wear through your brakes faster.
o They can be louder than ceramic brake pads.
Ceramic Brake Pads
Pros:
o They dissipate heat better for non-drilled and slotted brake rotors, which creates less brake fade.
o They tend to be quieter than metallic brake pads.
o They are less abrasive, and therefore and a little easier on brake rotors.
o The dust created is lighter in color and gives the appearance of less dust.
Cons:
o They are relatively more expensive than the comparable metallic brake pads.
o They are not as aggressive as metallic brake pads and therefore have a lighter stopping power.
o They are not recommended for track driving or for use in heavier vehicles like SUV’s and trucks. Especially when used for towing purposes.
Please keep in mind that when changing any of your brake components:
- To check the functionality of all your braking components.
- Make sure the rotor is sitting flush on a clean hub surface.
- Check the pads to make sure they fit correctly in the caliper assembly.
- Make sure the caliper piston seal is pliable and not dried out.
- Check that the piston moves freely in the caliper assembly, and lubricate the slides/pins with brake lubricant.
Each e-CAR workshop has access through Diesel-Electric, to the technical backup and training of the major quality parts manufacturers in the South African motor industry.
What are ATE Brake Pads made of?
These pads use ceramic compounds and copper fibers in place of the semi-metallic pad’s steel fibers. This allows the ceramic pads to handle high brake temperatures with less heat fade, provide faster recovery after the stop, and generate less dust and wear on both the pads and rotors.
What are brake pads made of?
Most vehicles on the road today have metallic brake pads. In case you’re wondering, these brake pads aren’t just slabs of metal. They’re typically made of iron, copper, steel, and graphite all mixed together and bonded to form the pad material.
Do brake pads come in different sizes?
Yes. Brake pads are car specific. Please consult your e-CAR mechanic to recommend the correct brake pad for your car.
Are there differences between manufacturers of brake pads?
Yes. Some brake discs are hard and therefore last longer. Some brake discs are soft and last a shorter period of time. The softer the brake pad the shorter the lifespan. Some brake pads will stop the car consistently no matter the temperature of the brake pad, whilst others will have an adverse effect on the stopping distance. There are many factors that can affect the stopping distance therefore we will not cover that here.
Are brake pads necessary for your car?
Yes, brake pads are necessary for a car to safely and effectively stop or slow down. Brake pads are an essential component of the braking system that apply friction to the wheels to slow or stop the car when the brakes are applied. Without brake pads, the metal of the brake calipers would come into direct contact with the metal of the wheels, which would not only create a lot of noise but also cause significant damage to both the brake system and the wheels themselves. In short, brake pads are crucial for safe and efficient braking, and it is important to ensure they are regularly inspected and replaced as necessary to maintain the overall health and safety of your vehicle.