Everything you need to know about brake pads

At Frontech, we’re passionate about providing mechanics and car parts retailers and resellers like you the very best quality brake pads. Today, we thought we’d take a look back at the history of pads, explain how they work, and answer some commonly asked questions that end-users will no doubt pose to you…

Brake pads origins

During the 1890s, Frederick William Lanchester, a British engineer, developed the first calliper-type disc brakes in England and patented the designs. Due to the limited availability of various metals, copper was used, but it did not perform well on the dusty and unpaved roads of the early 1900s.

During World War II, planes and tanks began to use disc brakes. Some early automobile companies, including the Daimler Company, Argus Motoren, and Crosley, started developing vehicles with disc brakes. Since then, numerous attempts have been made to improve the braking systems of automobiles, some of which are still in use today.

How do they work?

Your vehicle’s brake system has several components that work together to stop your car.

The brake disc (or rotor) is the biggest part of the brake system on each wheel, and it rotates while the brake pad applies pressure to the rotor, causing the vehicle to stop moving.

How often should pads be replaced?

The average lifespan of brake pads is 50,000 miles, but this number can vary significantly depending on several factors. For example, a vehicle driven aggressively in a metropolitan area may require new brake pads sooner than a vehicle that spends most of its time on the highway due to less frequent braking.

Are there different types of pads?

Yes, several types of brake pads are available, ranging from semi-metallic to ceramic, each with different price points and performance requirements. The type of brake pad you need depends on the type of vehicle you drive, as high-performance vehicles require performance braking, while normal everyday commuter vehicles need brakes that can handle the constant starts and stops in city driving.

When should you have your brake pads checked?

You should check your brakes at least once a year, if not more, depending on your driving style and environment. It is essential to keep an eye on your brakes since they can wear out with little or no signs. Waiting too long to have them checked may result in costly emergency brake repairs.

Can you change your brake pads yourself?

Yes, brake pad replacement is relatively easy, and you can change your brake pads yourself if you have the necessary equipment and knowledge.

You will need new brake pads, a car jack, a wrench, a ratchet and socket set, a torque wrench, a brake pad spreader, an allen, gloves, a mask, and safety glasses. For this reason, it’s often better to work with the experts to have your brake pads replaced to protect your safety and the integrity of your car.

How long do brake pad replacements take?

The time it takes to replace brake pads varies from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on experience, the number of pads to be replaced, and the amount of help available. Less experienced individuals may work faster after replacing one or two pads.

If you have any of your own questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Frontech today for a free consultation. We are an auto parts wholesaler that you can depend on.