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Views: 27 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-06 Origin: Site
When choosing brake pads, the "friction coefficient" is a key parameter many car owners focus on. Many assume that a higher friction coefficient means better braking performance and greater safety. But is this really the case? In reality, a higher friction coefficient for brake pads is not necessarily better. Choosing a brake pad requires a comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including vehicle type and usage scenario.
Simply put, the friction coefficient of a brake pad is the ratio of the friction force generated by contact between the brake pad and the brake disc to the normal pressure. It directly affects the braking force. Currently, the friction coefficient of a common brake pad ranges from 0.3 to 0.7. Different countries and regions have slightly different friction coefficient grading standards. For example, the EU's ECE standard divides it into multiple grades corresponding to different usage scenarios. Advantages and Disadvantages of a High Coefficient of Friction
Stronger braking force: With the same pedaling force, they can generate greater friction, shortening braking distance. This advantage can be directly related to driving safety, especially during emergency braking.
More comfortable handling of heavy loads or high speeds: For heavily loaded vehicles like trucks and buses, or those that frequently travel on highways, brake pads with a high coefficient of friction can better handle the continuous, high-intensity braking demands.
However, a high coefficient of friction is not without its drawbacks. Blindly pursuing a high coefficient of friction can lead to new problems:
Faster wear: The greater the friction, the more severe the wear between the brake pad and the brake disc, shortening the service life of both and increasing replacement costs.
Susceptibility to "hard defects": Brake pads with a high coefficient of friction are often made of a harder material. At low temperatures (such as during a cold start), they are more prone to brake noise and vibration, affecting the driving experience.
requirements for the braking system: Excessive friction will place greater loads on components such as the brake caliper and brake hose. If the vehicle's braking system's inherent resistance is limited, this can lead to premature component failure and even safety hazards.
Increased risk of thermal decay: Some high-friction products may experience a sudden drop in friction coefficient after prolonged, continuous braking due to excessive temperatures, which can negatively impact braking performance.
The key to selecting the friction coefficient of brake pads is "matching":
Family cars: For daily city driving, slow speeds, and moderate braking frequency, choose brake pads with a friction coefficient between 0.35 and 0.45. This provides sufficient braking force while also balancing durability and comfort.
Sports vehicles or those frequently traveling on mountain roads: These vehicles require higher braking performance and can choose brake pads with a friction coefficient between 0.45 and 0.55 to handle frequent sudden acceleration and braking.
Heavy-load vehicles: Trucks and buses, for example, need to consider braking forces under high loads. Specialized brake pads with a higher coefficient of friction can be selected, but ensure the vehicle's braking system can withstand the load.
Also, the vehicle's age and mileage should be considered. For older vehicles with high mileage, other components of the brake system may have experienced wear. Replacing brake pads with a higher coefficient of friction could overload the already fragile brake system, further exacerbating component degradation and damage. For example, for older vehicles with mileage exceeding 100,000 kilometers, caution should be exercised when replacing brake pads, prioritizing a moderate coefficient to maintain overall brake system balance and stability.
Besides, even with the same coefficient of friction, brake pads from different brands can exhibit significant differences in actual braking performance and quality. Well-known brands typically invest more in R&D, production processes, and quality control, resulting in more stable and reliable performance. Brands like Bosch and Ferodo are highly recognized in the market for their long-standing technology and reputation. Their products not only ensure an appropriate coefficient of friction but also offer excellent wear resistance and noise control, providing a superior user experience.
Brake pad maintenance is also crucial. During daily driving, avoid frequent sudden braking and prolonged braking. These can cause brake pad temperatures to rise sharply, accelerate wear, and affect the stability of the friction coefficient. Also, regularly check the thickness and wear of the brake pads. If the thickness approaches the replacement limit, replace them promptly to ensure unimpaired braking performance.
When replacing brake pads, it's best to have them installed by a professional repair shop or dealership to ensure accurate and standardized installation and avoid degradation of braking performance due to improper installation.
The friction coefficient of a brake pad is an important indicator of braking performance, but a higher coefficient is not necessarily better. An excessively high coefficient of friction can lead to rapid wear, unusual noise, and excessive system load. The appropriate coefficient of friction should be determined based on multiple factors, including vehicle type, driving scenarios, overall brake system condition, brand quality, and regular maintenance. When purchasing, it's recommended to refer to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended specifications and choose reputable brands to achieve the optimal balance between safety, durability, and driving experience.If you don’t know how to choose suitable brake pads or other brake parts,you can consult us.Our EV company is a brake parts supplier,we offer safe,durable and reliable different types of brake parts.Welcome to visit our website:https://www.evfriction.com. You can email us by +86-13363216781,and our phone number is jessicabrakes12@gmail.com.
