Brake pads

Car brake pads have an important function and should always be functional

The job of the brake pads in a car is to slow or stop the movement of the vehicle by pressing against the brake disc of the braking system. This happens when the driver depresses the brake pedal. The brake pads increase the friction between the pads and the brake disc, resulting in faster and more controlled deceleration of the vehicle. It is important that the brake pads are always functional as they play a vital role in the safety of the vehicle and its occupants, as well as other road users. If the pads are worn or damaged, the deceleration of the vehicle may be slowed down and there is a risk that the vehicle will not stop in time, which may lead to accidents. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check the brake pads and replace them if necessary.

How do I recognise a defect in my car brake pads?

There are several signs that the brake pads on a car may be defective. Some of them are:

• Squeaking when braking: If you hear a squeaking noise when you apply the brake, this may be a sign that the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced.
• Brake vibrations: If you feel a vibration or irregular sensation in the brake pedal, this may indicate that the brake pads are not worn evenly or are damaged.
• Brake pedal falls through: If the brake pedal is soft or unusually long when depressed, this may indicate a defect in the brake pads or other components of the brake system.
• Smoking or smelling brakes: If brakes develop smoke or have an unpleasant odour, this may indicate that the pads have overheated and are damaged, or that the brake fluid is leaking.
• Wear indicator: modern cars are often equipped with wear indicators on the dashboard or in the onboard electronics that show the degree of wear of the brake pads.

It is important to note that the symptoms mentioned can also be caused by other problems, so if in doubt it is worth visiting a workshop to have the brakes checked.

When do brake pads need to be changed on a car?

The frequency with which brake pads need to be replaced on a car depends on various factors such as driving style, vehicle type, weight and the quality of the pads. As a rule, manufacturers and experts recommend checking the brake pads every 20,000 to 70,000 kilometers or every 1-2 years and replacing them if necessary. However, it is important to note that actual pad life can be affected by various factors such as frequent braking at high speeds or heavy loads.

An important indicator of brake pad wear is the wear indicator or brake light, which is often installed in modern cars. They signal to the driver that it is time to check the pads. It's worth having the brakes checked regularly by a specialist workshop, especially if you often have to brake hard, travel long distances or transport heavy loads.

What types of brake pads are there and what should be considered when buying one?

There are different types of brake pads that are suitable for different types of vehicles and driving conditions. Some of the most common types of brake pads are:

• Organic Brake Pads: These are the most common brake pads and are made from materials such as rubber, sawdust and fiberglass. Best suited for normal driving conditions, they are quiet and have a low abrasion rate.
• Semi-metallic brake pads: These pads contain a combination of metal and organic materials and are usually harder than organic pads. They are best suited to heavier or faster vehicles and have a higher wear rate and are slightly noisier.
• Ceramic Brake Pads: These pads are mainly made of ceramic material and are very hard and durable. Best suited for high performance vehicles, they are typically quiet and have a low abrasion rate.
• Braided Brake Pads: These pads are made of braided carbon fibers and have a very high abrasion rate and are best suited for racing and racing vehicles.

When buying brake pads, you should pay attention to the following:

• Accuracy: Make sure the pads are correct for your vehicle model and year
• Material: Choose the material that best suits your riding conditions
• Quality: Choose rubbers from a trusted manufacturer to ensure they are safe and reliable
• Wear Indicator Compatibility: If your car has one, look out for the wear indicator which often shows the remaining life of the pad.

It should be noted that more expensive pads are not necessarily better than cheaper alternatives. It depends on the requirements of the vehicle and the driving conditions, and what properties you expect from the pads.

Can I change my brake pads on the car myself?

It is indeed possible to change the brake pads on a car yourself as long as you are familiar with the vehicle and the required braking tools. However, this requires a certain knowledge and experience in dealing with car parts and special tools.

These steps to replace the car brake pads are usually necessary:

1. Lifting the Car Safely: Raise the car with a jack and place it on jack stands or a hoist
2. Wheel Removal: Remove the wheels to access the brake discs
3. Loosening the caliper mount: Loosen the bolts holding the caliper mount to the wheel suspension
4. Remove the old pads: Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket and clean the brackets
5. Installing the new pads: Install the new pads in the caliper bracket and replace the brackets
6. Assemble and Check: Assemble the wheel and check that all bolts are tight and that the brake pedal works properly.

It is important to ensure all screws and bolts holding the wheel and brake disc are properly tightened and the brake pedal is working properly before using the car again. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and, if applicable, the car manual.

If you are unsure if you are capable of doing the work yourself, or feel it is too complex, we recommend having the work done by a qualified mechanic to ensure the job is done properly is carried out properly and in order not to jeopardize any warranty claims.

Which brake pads manufacturers are there and what are the differences?

There are many different manufacturers of brake pads, both original equipment and retrofit. Some of the most well-known manufacturers of brake pads are:

• Bosch is a world-renowned and respected manufacturer of brake pads and other auto parts. They offer a wide range of brake pads for various vehicle types and brands including passenger cars, trucks and commercial vehicles. Bosch offers both organic and semi-metallic brake pads. Our offers for Bosch brake pads.
• Brembo is an Italian manufacturer of brake pads and other auto parts, mainly known for its high-performance and racing brake pads. They offer a wide range of brake pads for different vehicle types and brands, especially for sports cars and high-performance vehicles. Brembo offers both organic and semi-metallic brake pads specifically designed to meet the demands of high-performance vehicles. Our offers for Brembo brake pads.
• ATE is a manufacturer of brake pads and other car parts that is part of Continental AG, a major automotive supplier. ATE is best known for the production of brake pads for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles and offers a wide range of brake pads for different vehicle types and brands. ATE offers both organic and semi-metallic pads. Our offers for ATE brake pads.
• Barum is a Czech manufacturer of brake pads and other car parts. They produce brake pads for a variety of vehicle types and brands, including cars, trucks and buses. Barum offers both organic and semi-metallic brake pads. Our offers for Barum brake pads.
• Herth+Buss Jakoparts is a manufacturer of brake pads and other car parts, specializing mainly in the production of spare parts for commercial vehicles. They produce brake pads for a variety of commercial vehicles including trucks, buses and trailers. They offer both organic and semi-metallic brake pads, which are suitable for heavy-duty vehicles and have higher abrasion resistance and durability, as well as good deceleration performance. Our offers for Herth+Buss Jakoparts brake pads.
• TRW is a world-renowned manufacturer of brake pads and other auto parts. They offer a wide range of brake pads for various vehicle types and brands including passenger cars, trucks and commercial vehicles. TRW offers both organic and semi-metallic brake pads. Our offers for TRW brake pads.

Differences between each manufacturer can vary by product and model, but there are differences in terms of the materials used, performance, longevity, durability, and price. Some manufacturers specialize in certain types of vehicles, while others offer a wider range.

It is important to consider the requirements of the vehicle and driving conditions and to carefully check the manufacturer's product specifications before deciding on a specific manufacturer to buy new car brake pads. It should also be noted that with some manufacturers there are also differences within the product range, e.g. some manufacturers have both standard and performance lines. In any case, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommendations or those of a qualified mechanic.