What do brake pads look like?

Brake pads are key safety components in automotive braking systems, generally composed of steel plates, bonded insulation layers, and friction blocks. Their appearance and type vary depending on the application and the composition of friction materials. From the application perspective, the brake pads of disc brakes are regular, fitting against both sides of the disc; The brake pads of drum brakes are curved thin plates that surround the inside of the brake drum; Large truck brake pads are thicker and more robust in size and structure. In terms of friction material composition, asbestos brake pads are soft, semi-metal pads have a metallic feel, and ceramic pads are refined with good heat dissipation and braking stability. The new disc brake pads are about 1.5cm thick, with protrusions of about 3mm at both ends. It converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat through friction, enabling deceleration or stopping. The friction blocks wear down with use and must be replaced promptly to prevent brake failure and damage to the discs.