There are four general types of brake pads for cars and trucks:

Semimetallic: This formula, containing about 30 to 65 percent metal, typically includes chopped steel wool or wire, iron powder, copper or graphite mixed with inorganic fillers, and friction modifiers that bond all the ingredients together. These pads are more durable and have excellent heat transfer, but also wear down rotors faster, can be noisy, and may not perform optimally at low temperatures.

Nonasbestos organic: Sometimes listed as organic or NAO, this type of pad is made from fibers, such as glass, rubber, carbon, and Kevlar, with filler materials and high-temperature resins. These pads are softer and create less noise, but they wear faster and create more dust.

Low-metallic NAO: These are made from an organic formula mixed with small amounts (10 to 30 percent) of copper or steel to help with heat transfer and provide better braking. With the added metal, there is more brake dust and they may be slightly noisier.

Ceramic: These are composed of ceramic fibers, nonferrous filler materials, bonding agents, and possibly small amounts of metal. Lighter in color and more expensive than other brake pads, ceramic pads are cleaner and quieter, and offer excellent braking characteristics without wearing down the rotors.

Most manufacturers like EBC Brakes, offer a range of pads for each application. The standard pad, if certified, should meet the demands of normal driving. Upgraded pads for normal driving will likely be noisier, produce more dust, and possibly respond with a harder pedal feel. But if you tow, carry heavy loads or numerous passengers often, live in hilly or mountainous areas, or have a daily commute down a steep grade, you should consider an upgraded or severe-duty pad.

Brake pads convert kinetic energy of the car to thermal energy by friction. This means that when the pad is heated up by coming into contact with either a drum or rotor, it starts to transfer small amounts of friction material to the disc or pad . Now, when the brake rotor and disc have the friction material on, they will stick to each other which will eventually cause the vehicle to stop.

However, the majority of the stopping power comes from the friction of the brake pad against the disc. Commonly made from steel, brake pads perform and function in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort, giving the vehicle optimum braking.

The compound used in EBC Brake pads is designed for street use on sport compact and muscle cars. It is made from premium non-asbestos organic formulation using man-made aramid fibers without inclusion of steel fibers or carbon particles which produce more dust. It also has the carbon and steel matrix formula that is specifically engineered to resist fade under extreme braking conditions associated with repetitive stopping.

James May, an Englishman motorist is stark-raving mad against cheap, flimsy, poorly-made brake rotors. What’s worse, it that its from Porsche.

It’s pretty clear that James May spends most of his time shaking his head in dismay at the deterioration of, well, just about everything good in the world. This steady decline is to be expected, sadly. But Boxster brake rotors that rust to the point of uselessness when the car sits for a couple weeks? And those cold-eyed Huns at the Porsche dealership barking out a harsh “NEIN!” when he tries to get the bad rotors replaced under warranty? Best quote: “Like all boring people with fixed views on how to treat a car properly, I never put the Porsche in its garage while it is still wet.” – Murilee Martin

Well, with EBC Brakes, you are guaranteed to get the best brake rotors in the world. These rotors are the most durable and efficient that withstand the atrocious elements, particularly rust. So remember to get only EBC for your braking needs.

This instructional guide is from Howstuffworks. This article adds ease in changing your EBC Brake Pads.

Brake Maintenance

The most common type of service required for brakes is changing the pads. Disc brake pads usually have a piece of metal on them called a wear indicator.

When enough of the friction material is worn away, the wear indicator will contact the disc and make a squealing sound. This means it is time for new brake pads.
There is also an inspection opening in the caliper so you can see how much friction material is left on your brake pads.

Sometimes, deep scores get worn into brake rotors. This can happen if a worn-out brake pad is left on the car for too long. Brake rotors can also warp; that is, lose their flatness. If this happens, the brakes may shudder or vibrate when you stop. Both of these problems can sometimes be fixed by refinishing (also called turning or machining) the rotors. Some material is removed from both sides of the rotors to restore the flat, smooth surface.
Refinishing is not required every time your brake shoes are replaced. You need it only if they are warped or badly scored. In fact, refinishing the rotors more often than is necessary will reduce their life. Because the process removes material, brake rotors get thinner every time they are refinished. All brake rotors have a specification for the minimum allowable thickness before they need to be replaced. This spec can be found in the shop manual for each vehicle.

Remember, replacing worn out pads with EBC Brake Pads drastically improves braking performance.

The EBC Yellow Stuff is another EBC product that would ensure only maximum performance for your car.

But what can this Yellow Stuff offer?
- highest rated friction of any EBC brake pad
- designed specially to meet the requirements of dragsters and high performance street cars.
- they work hard and fast under any condition
- feature beveled edges and a ceramic blend that reduces unwanted brake noise.
- feature a center-line slot that vents excess heat and gas to help prevent fade and thermal cracking.

Now, who would dare to forget yellow?