The Brake-Down of Types of Pads Available for European Brakes

Somehow there are no government standards when it comes to replacing brake pads, whether your car is European or domestic. Yet brakes can literally be the lifeline of your car, so choosing the right pads is an important safety decision for you and your family. The cheapest may save your wallet in the short term but seriously compromise your safety.

The question of what kind of European brake pads to use became further complicated after the elimination of asbestos from all parts in the last 25 years. Though better for the lungs, car manufacturers have used a variety of alternatives, which means a much wider selection in brake pads that can be confusing to the uninformed.

Introducing The Four Types of Pads Available for European Brakes:

Semi-metallic: These contain about 30 to 65 percent metal, usually chopped steel wool or wire. These pads are very durable, but they also tend to wear out your rotors faster. Because of this they can be noisier and may not be the best option in frigid weather.

Non-asbestos organic: This pad is made from organic fibers, including glass, rubber, carbon, or Kevlar. They are softer and a lot quieter, but they wear out faster and tend to be dustier overall.

Low-metallic non-asbestos organic: These are an organic material fused with 10 to 30 percent of copper or steel. They feature better organic transfer and improved stopping power. The trade off is they tend to be more noisy than the non-asbestos organic.

Ceramic brakes: These include ceramic materials fused with bonding agents and small amounts of steel. They are more expensive, but tend to be cleaner and quieter. They work well and don’t wear the rotors as much.

What’s That Weird Noise? Signs You Might Need New European Brakes

Fortunately, brakes will usually tell you when they need to be replaced. Most modern European cars have brake light indicators that will come on when your brakes are starting to wear thin. If your indicator light comes on, bring it into our Cincinnati auto repair shop right away. We’ll give you an inspection and let you know if it’s time. We will also be happy to take care of it for you.

If you own an older European car, a classic, or an antique vehicle, you may have to rely on more traditional signs of brake repair. Listen for grinding or scraping sounds when you apply the brakes. This is a sign the brake pads are thin. Pay attention to if the car sways from one side to another when you brake. This is a warning that you need new brakes. Pay attention to any smoking smells or heat around the wheel. This might be of a stuck caliper. Your brakes will need attention.

Brake Repair 101: Catch Brake Problems Before They Become Expensive

The bottom line on brake jobs, whether European or domestic, is you need to replace them before they are a problem. This is a good idea both for safety reasons and for your wallet. That is why it’s a good idea to note the mileage in a car diary after a brake job. Add 30,000 to that mileage and be sure to have the brakes inspected. This way, you can replace any worn out pads before they start to grind away at the rotors. You’ll prevent a minor car repair from turning into several hundred dollars worth of work.Not sure when the last time your brakes were inspected? Not sure how long getting a new set of brakes will take? Give us a call or fill out our online contact form. We’d be glad to take a look. We have been serving the Cincinnati area since 2001 and are your one-stop go-to solution for European car rep