Are Cheap Brake Pads Worth It for Your Car?
Introduction
Opting for affordable brake pads can seem like a win, but in the long run, it can significantly impact your vehicle's safety and longevity. In this article, we explore why investing in high-quality brake pads is the smarter choice, backed by performance tests and safety considerations.
Performance and Longevity
Tests conducted under the SAE J2522 standard reveal that cheap brake pads perform much worse than original equipment (OE) pads. Not only do they wear out significantly faster, but they also increase your need for frequent replacements. Considering that labor costs often exceed the cost of brake pads, it's important to weigh the long-term financial implications.
Wear and Tear
According to the same tests, cheap brake pads can wear out 40% faster than their OE counterparts. Given that labor costs are a significant component of the total expense, it's unwise to opt for pads that wear out more quickly. This can lead to more frequent replacements, increasing both the cost and time involved in maintaining your vehicle.
Heat and Friction Coefficient
The performance of brake pads under high heat is crucial. Cheap brake pads require significantly more pressure to achieve the necessary braking force, while their friction coefficient drops dangerously low. In contrast, original equipment (OE) brake pads maintain a higher friction coefficient even as they heat up, ensuring more consistent and reliable brake performance.
Impact on Safety Systems
The correct friction coefficient is essential, especially concerning advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), auto emergency braking (AEB), and traction control. Cheap pads with a friction coefficient as low as 0.19, which falls outside the manufacturer’s specified range, can lead to malfunctions in these crucial safety systems. These systems have been proven to save lives, and using substandard brake pads puts your safety at risk.
Corrosion Risks
Corrosion is another significant concern with cheap brake pads. In areas prone to salt spray, such as snow-covered roads or regions near beaches, these pads can rust much more quickly than OE pads.
A preliminary test simulating a harsh snowy winter with salty roads showed that cheap brake pads rusted within two months. The rust spread to the friction material, which is typically held in place with adhesive rather than mechanical burrs. This can cause the pads to become less effective, increasing the risk of brake failure and adversely affecting your vehicle's safety.
Economic and Safety Implications
Your vehicle doesn't care which pads you put on it as long as they fit, but your wallet will thank you for choosing quality over cost. Cheap brake pads can reduce your brake disc thickness and even cause cracks to form, leading to increased noise and reduced braking efficiency.
Conclusion
When it comes to brake pads, the investment in quality pays off both economically and in terms of safety. By choosing original equipment (OE) or high-quality after-market brake pads, you ensure that your vehicle performs optimally and remains safe on the road.
Never opt for cheap quality brake pads; they reduce your vehicle's braking efficiency and can damage your brake disc. The design of brake pads is such that their friction lining wears out over time. When cheap pads are not replaced on time, they become hard and noisy, and in some cases, act like a grinding stone, damaging the brake disc surface. This can lead to a reduction in the disc's thickness and even the formation of cracks, compromising braking efficiency and safety.