As a technician, you know the importance of recommending the best brake pads possible for your customers. Often this decision really comes down to determining which friction material best suits the customer’s needs. To do this, let’s break down the differences between each of the three types of brake pad materials.
Organic brake pads
Organic brake pads are composed of materials such as carbon, rubber, glass/fiberglass, among others, all bonded by resin.
These brake pads are ideal for customers with vehicles that are used for everyday driving, rather than those with high performance vehicles. This is because organic brake pads are more suitable for drivers who don’t generate a lot of heat when braking. Organic brake pads are often the most basic choice for customers and may lack some of the features and benefits that other friction materials have, such as reduced brake dust, better heat transfer and longer life. long pills.
Semi-metallic brake pads
Semi-metallic brake pads, often simply referred to as “metallic”, consist of 30-70% metals such as copper, iron or steel. The manufacturing process for these brake pads often includes combining these metals with other compounds, a graphite lubricant, and additional long-lasting filler materials.
Semi-metallic brakes are something of a happy medium between organic brake pads and ceramic brake pads, as they can serve a variety of riding styles, from everyday errands to track applications.
ceramic brake pads
Ceramic brake pads are made from a durable ceramic compound, often reinforced with additional materials to help with heat control and friction application.
This type of brake pad tends to be more expensive, but has benefits to support a higher price. Ceramic brake pads are suitable for a wide range of driving conditions and temperatures. Plus, they’re extremely quiet and produce less brake dust as they wear.
Ceramic brake pads produce excellent stopping power, heat transfer, and last longer than other friction compounds, making them an excellent recommendation for customers who are less likely to follow a recommended maintenance schedule and possibly delay the service.
Taking into account the customer’s vehicle maintenance history
Looking at your customers’ vehicle maintenance history never hurts when deciding which brake pad material is best for your driving style. Do they take your car in for maintenance only when the warning lights are on or do they visit the shop at the recommended intervals to ensure proper vehicle maintenance?
If a customer has a history of minimal vehicle maintenance, ceramic brake pads may be a worthwhile investment. Although more expensive, these brake pads last longer, which means customers are safer between brake service appointments.
Quality guarantee for customers
It is always crucial to remind your customers that quality matters when it comes to brake parts. Explain that the parties designated as “ultra premium” are subject to the highest standards of quality, safety and testing. Installing ceramic brake pads during a customer’s next service visit will ensure the best possible stopping power while helping to extend the life of other brake system components.
This article is sponsored by: Advice
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