Brake Pad
A steel backing plate with friction material bound to the surface that clamps onto the brake rotor to slow or stop the vehicle.
Brake pads are a fundamental component of a vehicle's disc brake system. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic calipers clamp the brake pads against the spinning metal brake rotors. The resulting friction converts the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into thermal energy (heat), slowing or stopping the car.
Brake pads consist of a steel backing plate with a block of friction material bonded to the surface. Friction materials vary depending on the vehicle's needs: organic pads (quiet and soft, but wear quickly), semi-metallic pads (excellent stopping power and heat dissipation, but louder and generate more brake dust), and ceramic pads (very quiet, low dust, and long-lasting, but more expensive).
Because they rely on friction, brake pads are designed to wear down over time. Most brake pads feature a small metal wear indicator tab that emits a high-pitched squealing sound when the friction material has worn down to a critical level (typically around 2–3 millimeters). Other symptoms of worn pads include a grinding noise (indicating metal-on-metal contact), increased stopping distances, and a spongy brake pedal.
Replacing brake pads regularly prevents damage to the more expensive brake rotors. Professional mechanics recommend inspecting brake pads during every oil change or tire rotation to ensure safe stopping performance.