By observing the appearance, testing the feel and checking the details, one can quickly distinguish the quality of brake pads and avoid purchasing inferior products. The specific methods are as follows:1. Observe the appearance: Judge quality control from the details of workmanship
Inspection of the friction layer：
High-quality brake pads: The surface of the friction layer is smooth and uniform, without obvious impurities, pores, cracks or chipping. The edges have regular chamfers (to reduce abnormal braking noise); The thickness of the new friction layer is approximately 10 to 15mm, with uniform thickness and no uneven thickness.
Poor-quality brake pads: The surface of the friction layer is rough, with a distinct granular feel or impurities. There are many burrs on the edges and no chamfers. The thickness may be too thin (some merchants cut corners), and even signs of delamination and delamination may appear.
Inspection of steel back and coating：
High-quality brake pads: The anti-rust coating on the steel back (metal base plate) surface is uniform and bright, free of rust, deformation and scratches. The matching sound-absorbing plates and shock-absorbing plates (made of rubber/sponge material) are firmly bonded and will not loosen when pressed.
Poor-quality brake pads: The steel back has no anti-rust coating or the coating has peeled off, and the edges are prone to rust. The sound-absorbing sheet is stuck with low-quality glue and can be easily torn off. Even the sound-absorbing accessories are missing.
Identification integrity check：
High-quality brake pads: The surface is clearly marked with the brand name, coefficient of friction grade (such as FF grade), OE number, production date, and execution standard (such as GB5763-2018), and the handwriting is clear and not easy to erase.
Poor-quality brake pads: No marking at all or the marking is blurry, and the writing comes off easily when wiped. Even the logos of well-known brands are imitated, but the fonts and layouts are obviously different from the genuine ones.
2. Feel the texture: Judge the material and craftsmanship by touch
Press the friction layer by hand: The friction layer of high-quality brake pads is firm in texture, with no indentation or powder shedding when pressed. Poor-quality brake pads have a loose friction layer, are prone to chipping when pressed, and have a rough feel.
Weigh by hand: Under the same size, metal-based brake pads are heavier, ceramic-based brake pads are slightly lighter, and carbon-ceramic brake pads are the lightest. If the metal brake pads feel too light, it might be due to excessive use of cheap fillers and poor quality.
Adhesion test between the friction layer and the steel back: Bend the edge of the friction layer by hand. High-quality brake pads adhere firmly without loosening. Poor-quality brake pads may show signs of the friction layer separating from the steel back.
3. Check qualifications: Avoid counterfeit goods through certifications and channels
Verify authoritative certifications: It is necessary to check whether the product has ECE R90 certification, 3C certification (for the domestic market), and the test report that complies with the GB5763-2018 national standard. Products without certification are directly excluded.
Confirm the purchase channel: Give priority to choosing the brand's official flagship store, authorized dealers or regular auto parts stores; Avoid purchasing from unqualified street vendors or low-price online stores. Counterfeit brake pads often attract consumers with low prices, but their quality is not guaranteed at all.
Verify after-sales warranty: High-quality brand brake pads offer a warranty service ranging from 6 months to 1 year or 10,000 kilometers. The warranty terms will be marked on the packaging. Inferior products have no warranty commitment at all, and once problems occur, it is impossible to protect one's rights.