Brake pads are what keep your vehicle away from the one in front, and there’s never a good moment to underestimate their importance. What many people don’t realise, though, is how much thought goes into choosing the right break pad, how much they can differ, and the risks of making the wrong decision. So, in the wet and urban of London, how do you go about choosing the right pads?
Well, before diving deep, it’s worth bearing in mind that brake pad wear (which impacts braking efficiency and repair costs) is a big contributor to pollution. In fact, the wear of brake pads accounts for around 55% of non-exhaust PM10 emissions in major cities. So, minimising wear and tear isn’t just good for safety, but for the environment.
Types of Brake Pads
Choosing the right brake pads begins with knowing all about the types. Organic brake pads are made from materials like rubber and Kevlar. These have smooth, quiet braking and low dust production, making them good for city driving. However, they do wear out quite quickly under high temperatures. Semi-metallic brake pads combine metal fibers with organic materials, putting them pragmatically in between both durability and heat resistance with good performance. But, these come at the cost of being noisier and producing more dust. Ceramic brake pads have long-lasting performance with minimal noise and dust, but they come at a higher cost.
For drivers in London, ceramic or semi-metallic pads are often the best choices due to their durability in heavy traffic. City driving requires lots of braking in traffic, so wear is a top priority. It’s also important to ensure that the selected brake pads meet R90 regulations so that they’re approved across all of Europe.
Factors to Consider
Selecting the right brake pads goes beyond just the types. Driving habits is a big, particularly in London, where everything is stop-and-go. Heat resistance is key, but those who drive exceptionally slowly (i.e. in Zone 1) may suffice with organic pads.
The type of vehicle is also important, with larger vehicles like SUVs or vans demanding pads with higher stopping power (e.g. semi-metallic) to handle their weight effectively. On the other hand, smaller cars like a Golf MK7 brake pads are far more forgiving when it comes to material, but this doesn’t mean brand and quality aren’t important.
Environmental impact is another factor, as brake dust contributes significantly to urban air pollution. Ceramic brake pads, which produce less dust, are a more eco-friendly choice and may be a good way to future-proof your investment (certain pad materials may become restricted or taxed). In fact, regulation cannot be ignored. The Euro 7 standards, set to take effect in July 2025, will impose stricter limits on particulate emissions from brake wear, meaning that the environment should absolutely be a consideration when purchasing.
Understanding Compatibility
It’s important to make sure there is compatibility between your vehicle and the brake pad. You can begin by consulting your vehicle’s manual, which can be found online, and this information may include size, material type, and performance ratings.
For vehicles with fixed calipers, precise fitment is particularly needed. Using incompatible brake pads can lead to uneven wear and diminished braking power. It was revealed that over a billion pounds worth of counterfeit car parts are imported to the UK each year, and Mercedes-Benz revealed that counterfeit brake pads significantly underperform compared to genuine ones.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Proper maintenance of a car is all about minimising how quickly it degrades, and therefore how much you spend on cars across a lifetime. To extend the lifespan of a brake pad, regular inspections are wise, and every 10,000 miles (or annually) is a good rule of thumb. Pads should be replaced when their thickness drops below 3mm, as this is when other components can become damaged. Plus, brake squeak can be a symptom of wear on the rotors or improper installation.
Cleaning brake dust can prevent rotor wear as well as improve braking efficiency, so do this as often as possible. On average brake pads last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. However, driving in London can be on the lower end of that due to the claustrophobic and jumpy environment. Of course, learning how to brake more effectively and looking further ahead of the road can also extend the brakes’ lifestyle, but don’t get in the habit of using your gears to slow down, as this is a costlier way to degrade a car.
Final Recommendations
Choosing the right brake pads is everything when it comes to safety, efficiency, and the environment. Usually, selecting the pads is a matter of brand, quality, type, and car model. However, when living in London, extra consideration is needed due to the environment and even forthcoming regulations. From there, sufficient maintenance and slow driving is needed to extend their lifespan.
