CC:
When some fleet managers and technicians hear the words “fleet brake pad” or “severe duty brake pads,” they think of aggressive, semi-metallic formulation that can generate a lot of friction when called upon for the shortest possible stopping distance for vehicles that might be overloaded or in pursuit of the bad guys.
But, over the past two decades, friction formulations have advanced. Some formulations have been fine-tuned for performance, noise and the longevity of the pads and rotors.
Technologies like ceramic fibers and transfer relays have revolutionized friction materials, allowing for more stopping power with less wear and noise. Now, this friction philosophy is being applied to fleet and severe duty applications.
Let’s first talk about longevity. Every minute a vehicle spends off the road for brake pad and rotary replacement translates into lost productivity and revenue for fleet operators. So, if an operator can go longer between brake pad and rotary replacements, it means the vehicle is on the road and making money.
Next, let’s talk about cost and return on investment. A brake pad can be an investment in the safety of the vehicle. These next generation formulations can achieve the same coefficient of friction as aggressive semi-metallic brake pads but over a broader range of temperatures and conditions compared to older semi-metallic formulations.
These pads are also an investment that protects the rotors. This investment pays off during the vehicle’s life by keeping it on the road and reducing the times the rotors need to be replaced.
Last, better brake pads are an investment in the driver. If your job is behind the wheel, having trouble free brakes is a must. This is especially true for last mile delivery drivers whose days are measured in stops, not miles.
The other driver benefit is reduced noise. You might not think this is important, but to a last mile driver, brake noise can be an annoyance to not only them, but the people on their route. If the brake noise is loud enough, it might cause the driver to bring their truck in for an inspection.
Thanks for watching. We’ll see you next time.
