Brake pads are essential for the safety and reliability of your vehicle, but with several options to choose from, it can be confusing to determine the best choice. You’ll need to consider stopping power, overall wear, and the material type. Our team at Honda Parts Direct has put together a great guide to help you choose the right brake pads!
Material Type
On a broad level, brake pads fall into two main categories: organic or sintered. These categories refer to the material used to process and manufacture the final product.
Organic Brake Pads
Organic brake pads are usually carbon-based products that may contain materials such as ceramic or fiber. The mix of organic materials is mixed and molded so it can be bonded to its backing plate.
Typically this is the more inexpensive option. If paired with the right rotor, organic brake pads can offer a better overall performance and feel.
Keep in mind that organic pads can generate more brake dust and they may work harder to perform in wet or cold conditions.
Sintered Brake Pads
Sintered brake pads are made from metal, often copper alloy. They can be mixed with other materials such as ceramic, graphite, and other metals. The materials are melted and molded to fuse with the metal backing plate.
Most sportbikes will have sintered brake pads, but this option can be hard on rotors. To combat this concern, most rotors are made with stainless steel. These pads are high-performing in a variety of conditions.
Sintered brake pads are typically the best choice if you intend to split time between the track and the street.
Friction Ratings
Brake pads rely on friction for their stopping power and it’s important to know how much friction will be provided at different temperatures. When you shop for brake pads, look for designations such as HH or GG to indicate friction levels at high and low temperatures. The first letter refers to friction at low temps while the second letter refers to friction at high temps. If you notice a designation of HH, for example, it means the brake pads have friction greater than 0.55 at both temperatures.
Along with the friction rating, you should consider these three aspects: outright stopping power, initial bite, and how it feels at the lever. Although the rating has an impact on the braking force, the other properties are just as important. You want to have accurate stopping power when you need it and you want brake pads that don’t need an extensive amount of time to break in.
Choosing the right brake pads doesn’t need to be a daunting task. If you keep the above considerations in mind and match your model’s specifications, replacing your pads will be an easy decision. You can shop our website for the best parts. We ship internationally and offer local pickup in Palestine, TX.