Brake Pads

Stop Safely with Quality Brake Pads

Most drivers understand what brake pads do, but fewer know how they wear down and need to be replaced. Brake pads create the friction necessary to stop your vehicle safely in any condition. At Empire Nissan of Hillside, we provide genuine brake pads designed specifically for your Kicks and Armada. Generic aftermarket pads might seem economical but typically wear faster and produce more dust than factory parts.

The Role Brake Pads Play

Brake pads clamp against rotating discs attached to your wheels when you apply the brakes. The friction material on the pads converts kinetic energy into thermal energy, slowing your vehicle down. Different pad compounds offer varying levels of stopping power, noise reduction, and dust production. Genuine Nissan brake pads use formulations tested specifically for your vehicle's weight and performance characteristics. The backing plates hold the friction material securely and transfer heat away from the braking surface.

Why Brake Pads Deteriorate

Every time you brake, a microscopic layer of friction material wears away from the pad surface. Stop-and-go traffic accelerates this wear considerably compared to highway driving. Moisture and road debris contaminate the pad surface, reducing friction efficiency. Low-quality aftermarket pads use inferior bonding agents that allow the friction material to separate prematurely. Aggressive driving with frequent hard stops generates excessive heat that glazes the pad surface.

When Brake Pads Require Replacement

Squealing noises indicate the wear indicators built into brake pads have contacted the brake rotors. Longer stopping distances suggest worn pads with reduced friction capability. Metal-on-metal grinding sounds mean the pads have worn completely through to the backing plates. Most brake pads need replacement every 25,000 to 70,000 miles depending on driving conditions and pad composition.

Whether you've been in an accident or are just modifying your vehicle, Empire Nissan of Hillside has all the parts you need for your project.