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There are several factors that affect the braking performance of brake pads.

19 Aug,2023

The brake system is of utmost importance in a car, as the quality of braking performance is directly related to life safety. Every component of the braking system plays a crucial role that cannot be overlooked, and it is worth our effort to study and enhance its performance. By studying the working principle of the brake system, we can see the role each component plays.

What role do brake pads play in the braking system?

The brake system mainly uses hydraulic principles to transfer the force from the foot to the wheels. The force that stops the car is much greater than the force exerted by a human foot. This is made possible by Pascal's law, using hydraulic amplification and lever principles. Many components of the car rely on hydraulic technology, such as hydraulic power steering, transmission, shock absorbers, and support rods, with the brake system being a representative application of hydraulic technology in the automotive field. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the downward movement of the pedal activates the master cylinder, which sends brake fluid to the brake calipers. The pistons in the brake calipers are pushed, creating strong friction between the brake pads and the brake disc, which can slow down or stop the vehicle.

The quality of braking performance is not only directly related to the braking system but also has indirect causal relationships with the vehicle's structure, weight, front and rear weight distribution, suspension system, and tire grip. Brake pads are also a key component in this system, similar to rubber brake pads on a bicycle, which wear down over time with use. Different vehicle models have varying shapes and sizes of brake pads, different thicknesses, and different arrangements of inner and outer pads. Only the correct model can be fitted onto the brake caliper assembly; if it's too large, it won't fit, and if it's too small, it will be loose in the caliper.

What are the key factors in brake pads?

There are several factors that affect the braking performance of brake pads, one of which is the coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction may seem like a strange yet familiar term, and its principle is easy to understand. Friction is a physical force exerted when two surfaces in contact move against each other; the smaller the coefficient of friction, the less frictional force (easier to slide), and conversely, the larger the coefficient, the greater the frictional force (harder to slide). Remsa, a leading European brake pad brand and one of the top ten friction material manufacturers in the world, aims to educate car enthusiasts about this important factor affecting braking performance—the coefficient of friction.

Is a higher coefficient of friction better for brake performance?

Is it a misconception that a higher coefficient of friction means better performance?

Both excessively high and low coefficients of friction can affect braking performance. Especially when a car needs to brake suddenly at high speeds, a low coefficient of friction can lead to unresponsive brakes, while a high coefficient can cause the tires to lock up, resulting in tailspin and skidding, posing a serious threat to driving safety. Additionally, a higher coefficient of friction can cause vibrations, noise, and severe wear during braking.

How to maintain a stable coefficient of friction?

According to national standards, the suitable working temperature for brake friction materials is 100 to 350 degrees. However, many inferior brake friction materials experience a sharp drop in their coefficient of friction when the temperature reaches 250 degrees, leading to complete brake failure.

So how does Remsa, a brand with over forty years of history, manage this? To control product stability, they continuously conduct tests to ensure the stability of the friction material's characteristics. Here is a set of the latest data: the international test report from the National Quality Inspection Center shows that when the test temperature reaches 350 degrees, Remsa's coefficient of friction remains around 0.44, meeting national standards.

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