Brake Performance Blogs

Just like how the style of brake rotors matter depending on the driving style and type of vehicle it's going on, the brake pads are equally as important. Because everyone's situation is different, we aim to educate our customers so that they can make a choice that suits them.

Ceramic brake pads produce less brake dust compared to semi-metallic brake pads, and while ceramic brake pads are great for smaller cars, they can be noisy on heavy cars and trucks.

Semi-Metallic brake pads have better temperature fade resistance and a higher level of friction than ceramic brake pads. Semi-Metallic brake pads have the best stopping power in all weather conditions and are perfect for all light, medium, and heavy-duty Cars, Trucks, and SUVs.

Easy Tips to removing and installing new brake pads

Changing the brake pads is not as difficult as you may have imagined. Sure, the rotors look easier and it's often hard to imagine how to get those brake pads in and out of the calipers, but it's actually quite straightforward.

Nearly all cars require you to remove the two caliper mounting bolts in order for you to remove the brake pads. You will need a caliper spreader tool, or if you don't have access to that, a C-Clamp can also be used. This is helpful in pushing the caliper piston back in, so you can install the new brake pads and then slide them over the rotor.

You also want to have handy a packet or tube of brake grease. Apply this over the back of the brake pad, to prevent any small rattles from the brake shim plate.

Lastly, it's a good tip to have a can of brake cleaner to clean up the brake caliper contact points, such as the piston, piston seal area, and hardware.

One of the most difficult aspects of brake maintenance is the topic of what causes noise, and what can be done to prevent it. Every grind and squeak starts from where the brake pad and brake rotor contact each other. Unfortunately you cannot just spray lubricant all over the brakes like a squeaky hinge.

Every aspect of the system including the brake rotor finish and brake pad formula play an important part of understanding what causes noise. As brake pads are pushed against the surface of a rotor, the entire brake system will vibrate, causing the air pressure to fluctuate at a frequency that is picked up by your ears as "noise". These vibrations will even change frequency with variations in torque, friction, and heat.

A brake pad with friction material that has stable friction across temperature and environmental conditions will likely create less noise, because it will have consistent torque and will cause less vibrational excitation at the friction coupling. Brake pads must also be properly bedded in to the rotors they will be used with to ensure that there is a smooth and even surface to prevent brake chattering. Brake rotors with a rough surface finish can also create noise.

Reliable brakes are an essential part of vehicle safety and often can get complaints of excessive dust, noise, vibration, lacking power, sensitivity, or rapid wearing. It's important to determine if these problems are because of improper installation or incorrect choice of friction materials. With a little extra time spent at installation you can ensure that your brake pads meet your expectations. Most brake performance complaints can be traced to one of these five basic installation errors.

Error #1: Not matching original equipment

Most brake pad performance complaints are caused by not matching the original equipment or the requirements of the vehicle. If the old pads were ceramic, then your replacement brake pads should also be ceramic to match your previous brake sensitivity. If a truck is used for heavy-duty towing then your brake friction should be semi-metallic to match those needs.

Error #2: Neglecting the hardware

The most common cause of noise complaints is from replacing the brake pad without also replacing the shims, anti-rattle clips and insulation parts needed to suppress noise. Premium brake pads have shims attached and also usually include brake caliper hardware. Lubricant can also be used to help inhibit noise and vibration. Less expensive pads don't include these additional pieces and so they are more likely to experience noise. Taking the extra few minutes to install new mounting hardware as well as cleaning and lubricating the brake calipers, you can prevent many brake pad complaints including pad glazing, excess wear, and pulling brakes.

Error #3: Ignoring the Rotors

Some auto manufacturers recommend that their brake rotors do not need be resurfaced unless it no longer meets thickness requirements. That recommendation has been controversial because many mechanics have experienced increased complaints when brake rotors aren't resurfaced or replaced. Rotors can also develop a wobble from incorrectly tightened lug nuts or from friction material transfer from the pad to the rotor. Most reputable dealers recommend that the brake rotors be resurfaced or replaced when changing the brake pads.

Error #4: Not Flushing Brake Hydraulics

Old brake fluid should be flushed out of the system when the brake pads are replaced. Brake fluid can actually draw moisture through a brake hose into the hydraulic system. Once inside, the moisture can cause damage, seizing anti-lock braking system valves and corroding the sensitive interior surfaces of brake calipers and wheel cylinders. Brake fluid can contain enough moisture to cause it to boil under severe conditions. Badly deteriorated brake fluid will also contain air which will make the brake pedal feel spongy or lack sensitivity.

Error #5: Skipping the Brake-In Procedure

The friction between brake pads and brake rotors is harsh on new brake pad installations. The contact surfaces between the brake pads and rotors must be smoothed by gently applying the brake 10-20 times to slow the vehicle from moderate speeds. The goal is to gently seat and conform the pad to the rotor to prevent uneven wear and premature performance loss.

By following these basic guidelines you can make sure your new brake pads work to their full potential.

Brake shims are thin metal or rubber adhesive pads that fit between the brake pad and the brake caliper to correct small differences that sometimes lead to noise. On most of the newer cars, these brake shims are mainly used to keep the noise down and any rattles to a minimum. Not all brake pads come with shims as they aren't required and function perfectly without needing them.

It is often misdiagnosed that the brake rotors themselves are the cause of excessive brake noise such as squeaking or squealing when using moderate brake pedal pressure. While we will save another dedicated article for all the possible causes and solutions, it is very common that the lack of brake shims is often the main reason for brake noise.

Brake pad shims come in a variety of styles to suit your driving style. For brake pads that did not come with any shims, we carry an application that you can apply to your non-shimmed brake pads to receive the same benefits of using brake pad shims. It's also recommended to apply a thin layer between the backing plate and the shim even if the shim is present, as it will prevent any further noise from the pad rattling against the shim.

There are also brake pads that will come with adhesive brake pad shims that require you stick on the shim to the brake pad backing plate. This doesn't require the use of disc brake lube, but you can still apply a thin coating on top of the brake backing plate. Lastly, there are also titanium brake pad shims which act as an improved thermal barrier. These are used for track use only as they reflect more heat than regular shims do. This results in less heat transfer from the pads to the caliper, lowering hydraulic fluid temperatures (brake fluid).  

Selecting the correct brake pads for your vehicle depends on several key factors, including driving style, vehicle weight, load or towing demands, and manufacturer recommendations. Understanding these differences will help ensure optimal braking performance, safety, and component longevity.

Premium Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

Premium semi-metallic brake pads are an excellent choice for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. They are especially well-suited for:

• Heavy work trucks and towing applications
• Performance and high-output vehicles
• European vehicles
• Vehicles prone to warped brake rotors due to excessive heat

Semi-metallic pads are engineered with high friction compounds and superior high-temperature fade resistance, allowing them to maintain consistent stopping power under demanding conditions. They are highly effective at managing heat, making them ideal for repeated braking, heavy loads, and aggressive driving—while still delivering quiet, dependable braking performance.

Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads are best suited for medium- to light-duty vehicles, including most U.S. domestic, some Europeans, Japanese, and Korean cars, trucks, and SUVs used for everyday driving. Their key advantages include:

• Longer pad life
• Lower brake dust output
• Smooth, quiet braking

Ceramic pads are designed for comfort and cleanliness rather than extreme heat management. For this reason, they are not recommended for heavy vehicles, towing applications, or performance driving, where sustained high temperatures can reduce braking effectiveness and potentially contribute to rotor wear or warping.

Making the Right Choice

Both semi-metallic and ceramic brake pads provide excellent stopping performance when used in the appropriate application. Choosing the right pad for your vehicle’s weight, driving conditions, and usage will ensure safer braking, longer component life, and better overall performance.

If you’re unsure which brake pad is best for your vehicle, our experienced team is always available to help guide you to the right solution.