Japanese car brake pads

Types of Japanese Car Brake Pads

Japanese car brake pads are an essential component of any vehicle's disc brake system, providing the friction needed to slow or stop the car. They are typically made from various materials, each with its advantages and drawbacks.

• Organic Japanese car brake pads:

  Organic pads are composed of a mixture of fibers and materials, including carbon, Kevlar, and resin. They are called ""organic"" because they do not contain any metallic ingredients. These brake pads are quiet and gentle on the rotors, making them last longer. They also heat up quickly, providing stable braking performance. However, organic brake pads wear out quickly and have a shorter lifespan. They are an ideal choice for normal driving or light-duty applications.

• Metallic Japanese car brake pads:

  Metallic brake pads are made from a combination of steel fibers, copper, and graphite. They are known for their durability and long lifespan, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. These pads offer consistent braking performance, even at high temperatures. As a result, they are an excellent choice for high-performance vehicles or cars used for towing and hauling heavy loads. However, metallic pads tend to generate a lot of noise and are hard on the brake rotors. They also have a shorter heat-up time, which can be a disadvantage in performance racing.

• Semi-metallic Japanese car brake pads:

  Semi-metallic brake pads are a middle-ground option between organic and metallic materials. They are usually made from 30 to 70 percent metal fibers, blended with organic materials. The combination of materials in semi-metallic pads results in low noise levels and rotor-friendly properties typical of organic materials, along with the durability and high friction of metallic materials. These pads are ideal for normal driving conditions and light towing or hauling tasks. On the downside, semi-metallic pads can be noisy and produce brake dust.

• Ceramic Japanese car brake pads:

  Ceramic brake pads are manufactured using a combination of fine ceramic fibers and other materials, such as carbon and silica. They have gained popularity over the years due to their low noise levels, minimal brake dust, and gentle nature on brake rotors. This makes them an ideal choice for luxury vehicles and high-performance sports cars. Additionally, ceramic pads offer consistent braking performance across a wide temperature range, making them suitable for both street and track use. However, they are relatively expensive compared to other brake pad options. The braking force of ceramic pads is not as good as that of metallic materials.

Specifications and maintenance of Japanese car brake pads

Manufacturers usually include detailed information on the brake pads packaging to help buyers understand the product better. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in the specifications of Japanese car brake pads:

• Material

  As discussed earlier, brake pads are made from different materials. Each material has its pros and cons. The specification will tell the buyer the type of pads they are getting.

• Vehicle type

  This is simply the kind of car that will use the brake pads. Will it be used on a sedan, SUV, or truck? Different vehicles have different weights that affect the wear and tear of the brake pads.

• Brand

  Some people may not consider the brand a specification, but it is very important. Well-known brands produce quality products that are consistent and reliable. They also have after-sale services and customer support.

• Warranty

  Most manufacturers will provide a limited warranty period on the brake pads. The warranty is a form of assurance that the product has been tested and is of good quality. It also protects the buyer from faulty merchandise.

Maintaining brake pads is not a hard task to do. With proper maintenance, the pads can last for a long time. Here are some brake pad maintenance tips:

• Quality

  Investing in durable and high-quality brake pads is a good decision in the long run. They may be expensive, but they will save money that would have been used to replace cheap pads.

• Inspection

  Regularly inspecting the brake pads to check for wear and tear will help maintain them. Look out for any damage on the pads and address the issue immediately before it gets worse.

• Rotating

  Rotating the brake pads can help them wear out evenly. This is because the front brakes wear out faster than the rear ones. By rotating the pads, they all get equal chances of usage.

• Driving habits

  Adopting good driving habits can also help maintain the brake pads. Avoid hard braking and sudden stops as they put a lot of pressure on the pads. Also, avoid over speeding as it forces the driver to brake frequently.

How to Choose Japanese Car Brake Pads

When sourcing brake pads for retail, here are some recommendations to ensure the stock caters to the target market needs.

• Vehicle Compatibility

  Japanese brake pads are designed for specific car models. Source pads that match the exact specifications of popular models in the target market to ensure compatibility.

• Quality and Performance

  Opt for premium aftermarket pads to provide superior performance and longevity. Consider the driving conditions in the region and choose pads that can handle the environment, whether urban stop-and-go or mountainous areas.

• Brand Reputation

  Stock parts from reputable suppliers who have reviews vouching for their quality. Check online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations to ensure the brands have a track record of excellence.

• Certifications and Standards

  Ensure the Japanese car brake pads meet industry standards. Look for certifications like ISO or JIS that guarantee the products have been tested and verified for safety and quality.

• Warranty and Support

  Source pads that come with a reasonable warranty period to protect the investment and customer interests. Choose suppliers who provide reliable after-sales support in case of any issues.

• Price and Value

  Balance the cost and the quality of the brake pads. While it might be tempting to settle for cheaper suppliers, prioritize durability and performance to give the customers value for their money.

• Brake Pad Types

  Different pads suit various customers' preferences. Stock both ceramic and semi-metallic pads to accommodate all clientele. Examine the potential clientele around the business and consider including organic or carbon brake pads if the target market is in an affluent neighborhood.

• Thickness and Size

  Brake pads come in different sizes and thicknesses. Sourcing standard sizes that match the most common vehicles in the area is a surefire way to attract a good clientele base.

• Eco-Friendliness

  More and more people are becoming conscious of their environmental impact. Source brake pads that produce less dust and harmful emissions to attract environmentally conscious customers.

How to DIY and Replace Japanese Car Brake Pads

Some suppliers of automotive parts, including brake pads, offer DIY replacement kits. The kits come in handy for those who wish to replace brake pads themselves. While the process is manageable, it's important to follow the instructions carefully and ensure one has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the task safely. Below are the general steps for replacing brake pads.

• Gather necessary tools and materials: New brake pads, brake pad lubricant, brake cleaner, jack and jack stands, wheel chocks, tire iron, and a brake pad wear indicator.
• Prepare the vehicle: One should park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. After loosening the wheel lugs with a tire iron, the vehicle should be raised with a jack, and the wheel is removed.
• Locate and remove the old brake pads: The caliper is located over the brake pads and holds them against the disc. It is necessary to remove the brake fluid and brake caliper from its bracket to access the brake pads. Once the caliper is removed, the old pads can be taken out from the rotor.
• Install the new brake pads: Before installing the new brake pads, it is advisable to clean the area and lubricate the caliper's sliding pins and the brake pad's contact points. The new pads are then placed onto the rotor, and the brake pad wear indicator is installed. Thereafter, the brake caliper is returned to its bracket after being bolted back in place.
• Complete the brake pad replacement: Once the wheel is replaced and the lugs tightened, the vehicle is lowered, and it is ensured the parking brake is engaged. The brake system is bled, and brake fluid is refilled to the recommended level.

Q &A

Q1: How often should the brake pads be changed?

A1: There is no specific number of times Japanese car brake pads should be changed. This is because the frequency of changing brake pads depends on various factors. Some of these factors are the type of brake pads used, the driving conditions, and the brake pads' inspection results. However, on average, buyers can change brake pads after every 30,000 to 70,000 miles.

Q2: How can someone know that the brake pads are worn out?

A2: There are several indicators of worn-out brake pads. One of them is a screeching or grinding sound that comes from the brake pads when someone is braking. The sound is an indication that the brake pads have worn out and the metal backing is coming into contact with the rotors. Another sign of worn-out brake pads is reduced braking performance. If the car takes longer to stop, it is an indicator that the brake pads are worn out. Visible wear and tear on the brake pads is another indicator. Cracked or chipped brake pads show that they are worn out and need replacement.

Q3: What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket brake pads?

A3: OEM brake pads are designed by the car manufacturer. They are made to fit a specific car model. On the other hand, aftermarket brake pads are made by independent companies. The brake pads are made to fit a variety of car models.