Why You Should Invest In Ceramic Brake Pads

Brake pads are meant to wear down, and an auto service is needed to replace the pads once they have worn away. You will typically hear a squealing noise when the pads are no longer in good condition. Brake pads will have what is called a wear limit. When the limit is hit, you will hear the squeaking noise. This noise comes from a metal spring or finger that comes out of the brake pad. The noise is meant to catch your attention and indicate that a brake service is required. If you notice that your brake pads need to be changed once or even twice a year, then it may be time to think about investing in some heavy duty pads, like ceramic varieties. There are a few advantages that these pads have over others.

Ceramic Pads Last Longer

Two brake pads will sit next to each wheel, and they will butt up against the rotor. A device called a caliper will press the pads against the rotor and the friction that is created will stop your vehicle. As the pads rub up against the rotor, a small amount of material will wear away. Traditional brake pads are made out of steel strands or shavings that are adhered together with resin. Since resin is a relatively soft material, the pads can wear away quickly.

Ceramic brake pads are made from bits of ceramic and copper fibers. The ceramic is much stronger and tougher than the resin, and this means the pads will not wear down as quickly. The result will be brake pads that simply last longer. Ceramic brake pads will retain a lot of the stress and friction when the vehicle stops, and the stress creates a good deal of heat. Ceramic is meant to withstand this heat, and the warmth is transferred to the air when your vehicle stops.

The Pads Create Less Dust

Brake pads create dust, and this dust will often cling to the wheel wells, rotors, and calipers that sit near the pads. In many cases, the resin and metal material is difficult to remove. When you scrub at the dust, you also may cause paint and hubcap scratches as you move the steel shards around. Ceramic pads create very little dust, and the dust that is created will not stick to your car. This means that dust and debris from the pads flies away into the air instead of leaving residue behind. 

The dust that is created by the pads is also a much lighter color than the debris created by resin and metal varieties. This light dust will not be nearly as noticeable if it does get on your vehicle. 

For more information about the benefits of ceramic brake pads, contact a company like Newton Tire Company.