Racing Brake Pads

Quick acceleration and high speeds are what matters in racing. However, slowing or stopping a car at high speeds is no less important in the racing world where total control over a vehicle has an absolute priority. This is when the braking system plays a crucial role. Being able to rely on it is equivalent to your safety on the race track. Although most race cars used drum brakes two decades ago, today they are equipped with the disc ones that have been improved over the years to provide predictable stopping power. Pads are essential parts of this system which are squeezed against a rotor by a caliper to create friction and pressure thus slowing down and finally stopping a vehicle.

Nowadays, aftermarket manufacturers offer a wide range of brake pads that vary according to the material they are made of. With so many available products and brands, it is easy to be confused and lost. Carbon fiber, ceramic, and semi-metallic pads are the most common. Most racers opt for semi-metallic units for a number of reasons. The first and main one is that they dramatically increase braking power over other available parts. They contain from 30 up to 65 percent of metal, typically including iron, copper, steel, and others which help to cool a rotor for more efficient braking by drawing heat away from it.

Although they provide ultimate stopping performance in a wide range of temperatures, semi-metallic pads are loud and produce a lot of dust. Besides, when choosing these car parts, you should also consider the type of rotor installed in your vehicle. Thus, a carbon fiber disc requires the pads made of the same material. Carbon fiber units provide superior braking power while operating quietly and producing less dust. Some racers choose ceramic brake pads that are very quiet and don’t create much dust.