The Essential Guide To Performance Brake Pads

Are you looking to upgrade your vehicle's braking performance? Look no further as this guide will take you through everything you need to know about choosing the best performance brake pads for your car.

Whether you're a car enthusiast looking to enhance your vehicle's stopping power or a daily commuter needing reliable brakes, this guide covers you.

We understand that finding suitable brake pads can be daunting, with so many options in the market.

That's why we've compiled all the necessary information and expert tips to help you make an informed decision.

From understanding the different types of brake pads to considering factors like pad material, performance ratings, and budget, we'll walk you through the entire process step by step.

So, upgrade your braking and enjoy a safer and more exhilarating driving experience with the best performance brake pads. Let's dive in!

The Importance of Performance Brake Pads

Regarding vehicle safety, the braking system plays a crucial role. Performance brake pads are specifically designed to offer superior stopping power and improved overall performance compared to standard brake pads.

Whether driving on the motorway or taking your car to the track, having reliable and efficient brake pads is essential.

Performance brake pads are engineered to withstand higher temperatures and provide better friction, allowing for shorter stopping distances and reduced brake fade.

They are also known for their superior durability, which means they last longer, saving you money in the long run. Investing in high-quality performance brake pads is a matter of safety and a way to enhance your driving experience.

Performance brake pads are available in various types, each offering unique advantages and characteristics. Let's explore the different types and understand which suits your driving needs.

Different Types of Brake Pads

Organic Brake Pads

Brake pads made of organic materials, also called non-metallic brake pads, consist of a rubber, glass, and resin blend. They are ideal for everyday driving and moderate driving conditions since they are typically more gentle on the discs.

These pads provide a smooth braking experience but may wear out sooner and generate more dust than other types. They are also considerably cheaper than the other two options but lack in performance.

Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

Semi-metallic brake pads blend metal fibres (for instance, steel or copper) and organic elements. These pads are better at dissipating heat and are less likely to experience brake fade.

They also boast excellent stopping power and are appropriate for various driving circumstances, including heavy-duty use. However, they produce more noise and may cause increased brake disc wear.

Ceramic Brake Pads

Brake pads made from ceramic fibres and non-ferrous materials are called ceramic brake pads. These pads are popular for their exceptional performance and durability.

Ceramic brake pads are suitable for everyday driving and high-performance applications since they provide consistent braking performance across various temperatures. However, they are typically more expensive than other types of brake pads.

Choosing the correct type of brake pads depends on your driving style, vehicle type, and budget. Consider these factors when making your decision.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Performance Brake Pads

Driving Style

The way you drive affects the type of brake pads you will require. If you like driving aggressively or participating in track days, you'll need high-performance brake pads that resist heat and provide strong stopping power.

However, if you commute daily, you may prefer brake pads that prioritise comfort, produce minimal dust, and have low noise levels.

Vehicle Type

Each type of vehicle has unique braking needs. Heavy-duty trucks or SUVs require brake pads to handle heavy loads and dissipate heat effectively.

On the other hand, high-horsepower cars or performance vehicles require brake pads that can withstand extreme driving conditions while maintaining optimal performance.

Budget

When shopping for performance brake pads, choosing wisely based on your budget is essential. Look for brake pads that offer a good balance between performance and affordability.

Investing in high-quality brake pads can save money because they tend to last longer and need fewer replacements.

Climate and Driving Conditions

Living in an area with harsh weather like heavy rain or snow might require brake pads that work well in wet or icy conditions. It's important to consider the climate and driving conditions you usually face while choosing your brake pads.

This will narrow your options and help you find your vehicle's best performance brake pads. Let's explore the various materials used in performance brake pads and their advantages.

Understanding Brake Pad Ratings and Certifications

If you're looking for performance brake pads, you might see ratings and certifications showing how good and efficient the brake pads are. Knowing these ratings can assist you in making an informed choice.

Here are some of the most prevalent brake pad ratings and certifications.

Friction Coefficient

The friction coefficient is a critical factor in determining the efficiency of a brake pad as it measures the pad's ability to convert kinetic energy into heat and bring the vehicle to a stop.

A brake pad with a higher coefficient has superior stopping power, which is crucial for ensuring the driver's and passengers' safety on the road.

Therefore, choosing a brake pad with a high friction coefficient is vital for maximum safety and performance.

Temperature Ratings

It is recommended to check the pads' temperature ratings and choose ones suitable for your driving conditions.

This will help ensure the brake pads perform at their best and provide optimal braking power when needed.

By taking this extra step, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Noise Ratings

When making a decision about which brake pads to purchase, it is vital to take into account their noise ratings. Doing so lets you determine how loud they will be when braking.

Choosing brake pads with lower noise ratings is recommended if you value a peaceful and quiet driving experience. This will help ensure your driving experience is as enjoyable and peaceful as possible.

Certifications

Look for brake pads that meet or exceed industry standards and certifications, such as the ISO 9001 certification. These certifications ensure the pads undergo rigorous testing and complete the required quality standards.

Considering these ratings and certifications, you can choose brake pads that meet your performance and safety requirements. Now, let's move on to maintenance tips to ensure the longevity of your performance brake pads.

Tips for Maintaining and Extending the Life of Performance Brake Pads

Maintaining your performance brake pads is crucial if you want them to last longer and perform better.

To ensure proper maintenance, we have prepared some helpful tips that will help you prolong the life of your brake pads.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your brake pads and avoid costly repairs down the road.

1. Bedding in Brake Pads

For optimal performance and longevity of your recently installed brake pads, it is crucial to bed them properly. This can be achieved by following the specific bedding procedures the manufacturer recommends.

This will enhance the effectiveness of your brakes and prevent premature wear and tear, ensuring a safer and more efficient driving experience.

2. Avoid Overheating

Excessive heat can damage your brake pads. Avoid aggressive braking, especially during prolonged downhill descents. Give your brakes time to cool down between heavy braking instances such as track days.

3. Regular Inspections

Regularly inspecting your brake pads for any indications of wear and tear, including thinning or cracking, is vital for maintaining optimal braking efficiency.

If you find worn-out brake pads, it is highly recommended to replace them without delay to prevent any potential compromise to your braking capabilities.

4. Avoid Excessive Dust Build-up

Ensuring that your wheels maintain their pristine appearance is a must for many car owners. One of the primary culprits of unsightly discolouration is excessive brake dust.

A practical solution to this problem is opting for brake pads that produce minimal dust. Doing so will keep your wheels looking sharp and improve the driving environment.

5. Follow Manufacturer Recommendations

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance and replacement intervals.

Different brake pads may have different requirements, so consult the manufacturer's guidelines.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your performance brake pads provide optimal performance and last longer.

Now, let's explore some of the market's top performance brake pad brands.

Top Performance Brake Pad Brands in the Market

EBC: Features and Benefits

EBC is a highly regarded brand in the performance brake pad market, offering an extensive selection of options that cater to varying vehicle types.

Their brake pads are widely recognised for their exceptional stopping power and durability, making them a top choice for drivers seeking reliable, high-performance brake pads.

EBC Greenstuff Pads

The EBC Greenstuff brake pad gives drivers a solid and reliable initial brake effect, instilling confidence when the brake pedal is applied.

It is important to note that all brake pads generate some dust, as it is necessary to prevent rotor vibration.

However, the EBC pad creates less dust than many others. While all pads produce more dust during bedding-in, this is especially true if the brake discs are worn.

The nominal friction coefficient is 0.55. For heavier and faster cars, we recommend the Redstuff pad, which generates significantly less dust.

EBC Yellowstuff Pads

In 2021, EBC Yellowstuff was improved to comply with new environmental laws. The unique formula lasts longer but also requires a longer bedding-in process.

Therefore, it is not recommended for track use. If you plan to use new pads for track day driving, we suggest using the Bluestuff formulation for the front and rear.

EBC Yellowstuff is ideal for street use, particularly for high-horsepower cars and as a brake upgrade for Trucks and SUVs.

It is also great for towing and heavy loads on Trucks with wheel and tire oversize upgrades.

However, for track day/drift/hill-climb races, we no longer recommend it for most cars due to its long bed-in process. Our current recommended entry-level race pad for all vehicles is BlueStuff, which works well on both the street and the track.

EBC Bluestuff Pads

Bluestuff is a brake pad suitable for entry-level track day and race driving. It is R90-approved for street driving and has a good street bite.

The Bluestuff range includes two compounds - Bluestuff NDX with a higher friction of 0.52 Mu and new Bluestuff B with a lower friction of 0.42 Mu.

Although it is popular among performance road car drivers in the USA and Asia, where R90 homologation is unnecessary, Bluestuff has excellent cold friction and controllability, making it a great choice for performance car drivers.

Recently, Bluestuff passed extensive road-focused testing and gained R90 approval on most EU fitments, making it the first track-focused pad legal for European public roads.

If you have experience with EBC's Yellowstuff material, Bluestuff boasts a similar friction profile but a higher friction coefficient across a more extensive working range. It has a faster bed-in time and a high friction coefficient without feeling grabby.

EBC Redstuff Pads

Are you looking for a premium low-dust brake pad for fast street driving on any car?

Look no further than Redstuff! While we don't recommend it for trucks or SUVs, they offer a range of grades (Green, Red, Yellow, or Blue) to suit any vehicle.

The Redstuff brake pad is made with Aramid fibre Ceramic particles for enhanced performance but contains no Ceramic fibres.

It's copper-free to comply with environmental legislation and free of sulphides, lead, and low dust. Plus, it's thoroughly ECE R 90 brake safety tested and approved.

The latest blend of Redstuff ceramic brake pads has dramatically reduced the phenomenon of brake pad "Pick up", or disc scoring and tests have shown a significant improvement in stopping distance - up to 50 feet from 100 MPH!

Ferodo: Features and Benefits

Ferodo is a highly esteemed brand that provides exceptional brake pads for various vehicles. Their brake pads are renowned for their outstanding stopping power and dependability.

One of the most distinctive features of Ferodo brake pads is their cutting-edge design.

Ferodo utilises advanced technology to create brake pads that deliver superior braking performance.

There are two primary ranges of brake pads from Ferodo, namely the Ferodo DS2500 and DS300, rated for track and race use rather than road use.

Ferodo DS2500 Brake Pads

• Road style refinement but with race material ability to withstand heat concerning life and µ
• Applications include track day & light race use for all vehicle types
• The average friction coefficient of 0,41 over a working temperature range of 0° - 500° C
• It does not have R90 certification, so it would not be recommended for road use in some countries

Ferodo DS3000 Brake Pads

• Include a heavy-duty all-round material choice
• They have short bedding in period
• Applications: touring car, rally, Group N, single seat, hill-climb
• Average friction coefficient 0.48 over a working temperature range of 200°-650°C
• The DS3000 range of brake pads are not suitable for road use

Ferodos high-quality pad back-plates are made from strong steel that can withstand the intense clamping forces commonly experienced in motorsport.

Their pads are created precisely, ensuring they maintain consistent dimensions, such as flatness, parallelism, and overall thickness. This guarantees a quick and uniform pressure transfer from the brake system to the pads.

Unlike their competitors, Ferodo Racing brake pads feature a thermal under-layer between the backing plate and friction material.

This innovative design reduces the brake calliper's operating temperature by up to 80 degrees Celsius, preventing brake fluid from boiling and producing a spongy pedal.

The pads are also gentle on brake discs, as they strive to optimise brake pad and disc life. The philosophy is to enhance pad life without sacrificing excessive disc wear.

PBS: Features and Benefits

PBS is a reputable brand in the performance brake pad industry, providing various options for different types of vehicles. Their brake pads are highly regarded for their outstanding stopping power and reliability.

One of PBS brake pads' significant features is their advanced friction material, which is created to deliver optimal stopping performance and a consistent pedal feel.

PBS Protrack Brake Pads

The ProTrack compound is a ceramic metallic material that provides a gentler initial bite compared to the Prorace compound yet still offers excellent control and feel with mighty stopping power ranging from 0.40 to 0.48mu.

This compound is designed for light occasional track use or wet conditions and race series requiring a low grip Tyre with less noise and dust. It has a working temperature range of 0-700c.

PBS Prorace Brake Pads

The Prorace compound is a highly effective ceramic graphite material with a solid initial grip, precise handling, and powerful braking capabilities.

With a stopping power of 0.36 to 0.58mu, it has been successfully used in various racing series, resulting in numerous victories and championships.

Many track day enthusiasts also prefer this compound. Additionally, it can be used in temperatures ranging from 0 to 800 degrees Celsius.

How to Choose the Right Performance Brake Pads for Your Vehicle

When selecting performance brake pads for your car, it's essential to consider several factors. Here's a helpful guide to aid you in making an informed decision:

1. Determine your driving style, vehicle type, and budget. Consider comfort, noise levels, and dust production to narrow your choices.

2. Research well-known brands such as EBC, Ferodo or PBS with a reputation for quality performance brake pads. Look at customer reviews and compare brands' features, benefits, and pricing. 

3. If you need help deciding which brake pads to choose, seek advice from automotive experts or professional mechanics. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your vehicle and driving needs.

4. Look for brake pads with high friction coefficients, suitable temperature, and low noise ratings. These ratings indicate the performance characteristics of the brake pads.

5. Ensure that the brake pads you select are compatible with your vehicle's make, model, and year. Consult the manufacturer's specifications or a professional to confirm compatibility.

6. You can install the brake pads yourself if you have the necessary skills and equipment. However, if you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to have them installed by a professional to ensure proper installation and safety.

By following these steps, you can select the correct performance brake pads that meet your needs and improve your vehicle's braking performance. Let's move on to our guide's final section: installation and safety considerations for performance brake pads.

Conclusion

Choosing the best performance brake pads for your vehicle is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration of various factors.

By understanding the different types of brake pads, considering factors like driving style and vehicle type, and researching reputable brands, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs.

Remember to consider brake pad materials, performance ratings, and certifications to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Proper maintenance, regular inspections, and following installation guidelines are essential for maximising your brake pads' lifespan and performance.

Whether a car enthusiast or a daily commuter, upgrading your braking game with high-quality performance brake pads can enhance your driving experience and provide peace of mind.

So, make the right choice, install your new performance brake pads, and enjoy a safer and more exhilarating driving experience. Happy braking!

If there was anything in this guide you aren't sure of or has helped you massively, please get in touch with us or drop us a message below!