Three metres can save lives: Why the right choice of brake pad is important
In an emergency, every metre counts: For wholesale distribution outlets this means: Customers expect not only availability - but also quality they can rely on. This is exactly what you get when you choose HELLA brake pads. After all, only the perfect interplay of friction material, temperature resistance and precise processing ensures reliable deceleration – and safety when it's really needed.
Focus on safety – shorter braking distances thanks to high-quality materials
HELLA offers a comprehensive range containing more than 2,300 brake pads manufactured from 50 different friction lining formulations. These brake pads are designed to precisely match the respective vehicle types, brake systems, engine outputs, driving loads and brake characteristics. This means: No universal solutions, and instead pads perfectly matched to the respective vehicle model. Each product is developed in close cooperation with the automotive industry.
This braking distance comparison using the example of a VW Passat braking from 100 km/h to zero shows that quality can be measured: The vehicle equipped with HELLA brake pads comes to a standstill after 38.4 metres. Competitor 1 stops after 41.6 metres and competitor 2 needs even further and stops after 42.8 metres. That’s three to four extra metres – that can make all the difference in critical situations.
Here's how brake pads are tested at HELLA
Before a brake pad is launched on the market by HELLA, it undergoes rigorous testing over distances of up to 300,000 kilometres. This not only takes place in the laboratory, but also under real-life driving conditions. Fundamental criteria are checked during testing: Braking power, comfort characteristics, wear behaviour, heat resistance and noise. The testing methods are wide-ranging – from the compressibility and shear strength test to dynamic test bench tests (Dyno) and the demanding AMS test of the trade journal "auto, motor and sport".
Although all tests are essentially based on ECE R90 specifications, they surpass these requirements by a considerable margin. HELLA carries out tests according to the standards and specifications of vehicle manufacturers – because that is exactly what we are aiming for: Premium uncompromising quality.
How can you tell a good brake pad from a bad one?
A high-quality brake pad works reliably – from the first to the last brake application, in cold and hot conditions. This is only possible with excellent material quality and a well thought-out design. HELLA relies on a multi-layer coating design that includes a carrier plate, intermediate layer, adhesive, powder coating and friction material. Each of these layers performs a clearly defined function – which can be heat distribution, noise reduction or adhesion.
Typical weak points of inferior brake pads
Faulty or low-cost brake pads often exhibit typical damage profiles: These range from lining tears due to thermal overload to deep grooves caused by incorrectly fitted discs through to excessive wear if maintenance has been omitted. All these phenomena can be avoided by using high-quality components – especially if regular maintenance is carried out and attention is paid to system compatibility. The following observations apply: New pads do not belong on old, worn brake discs.
Highly efficient – even at the performance limits
A build-up of heat should also not be ignored: A brake pad can heat up to over 250 °C in just a few seconds when braking from 200 km/h in emergencies, for example. To ensure the material does not fail, HELLA uses thermally-stable binders, heat-resistant friction material and sophisticated formulations. After all, even under extreme conditions, the pad must deliver maximum performance – without noise, fade or structural failure.
HELLA quality accompanies you on your journey – and brakes more efficiently
Brake pads are safety-critical components. If you skimp on quality, you may not only have to contend with unnecessary repairs but also dangerous situations due to longer braking distances. HELLA therefore relies on the highest standards, state-of-the-art production and intensive road testing. The result: Products that workshops, dealers and, above all, drivers can rely on – in every situation.