Industry Dynamics: Two Technological Innovations Lead Brake Pad Upgrades
On October 14, 2025, the new energy vehicle (NEV) brake pad hot-press forming patent (CN120756025A) publicly released by Jiangsu Fangyi Friction Material Co., Ltd. attracted widespread attention in the industry. This technology utilizes a Venturi effect booster tube to generate high-speed airflow, which, combined with physical pushing, enables automatic demolding of brake pads with complex structures. Not only does it eliminate the need for manual intervention, but it also reduces residual powder adhesion, significantly improving production efficiency and energy consumption performance compared to traditional processes. As an automotive manufacturing enterprise holding 80 patents, Fangyi Friction's latest innovation coincides with the booming NEV market, and this technology is expected to become a key consideration for automakers in procurement.
Earlier at the Shanghai Auto Show, Brembo's Greentell brake kit had already demonstrated the direction of environmental upgrading. The kit adopts a double-layer nickel-free coating and laser deposition technology, reducing brake dust emissions by 90% and brake disc wear by 80%, which meets the requirements of the 2026 Euro 7 emission regulations in advance. The lightweight modular calipers launched simultaneously, with their weight controlled between 4.3 kg and 5.1 kg through topology optimization, further achieve emission reduction and energy consumption reduction when combined with ENESYS energy-saving spring technology.
Safety Alert: Uneven Brake Pad Wear Becomes a "Hidden Killer"
While technology is iterating, the safety issue of brake pad usage cannot be ignored. A recent case disclosed by Autohome showed that a car owner surnamed Wang almost lost control of his vehicle during emergency braking on a rainy day due to a 30% difference in wear between the left and right brake pads. Maintenance data indicates that such a "single-sided excessive wear" phenomenon accounts for a very high proportion in daily inspections. When the wear difference exceeds 20%, unbalanced braking force will cause the vehicle to skid and the braking distance to extend, with the risk increasing drastically when driving at high speeds.
Maintenance experts at 4S stores pointed out that uneven wear mainly stems from five major causes: stuck brake guide pins, stuck pistons, mixing of new and old brake pads, frequent driving on curves, and suspension deformation. "Many car owners ignore warning signs such as brake noise and steering wheel vibration, and only conduct maintenance after a dangerous situation occurs," the experts said. They suggested that car owners should check the thickness of brake pads every 20,000 kilometers, choose products of the same brand and model when replacing brake pads, and regularly lubricate the guide pins to effectively prevent uneven wear.
Data Insight: Dual Considerations of Safety and Technology
A previous survey by Dongchedi showed that 12% of traffic accidents in China are related to brake system failures each year. The friction coefficient of low-quality brake pads can drop sharply by 40% under high temperatures, leading to an increase in braking distance by more than 10 meters. In contrast, tests on the SENSIFY® intelligent braking system, a collaboration between Brembo and Michelin, showed that it can shorten the braking distance by up to 4 meters through software synergy, which confirms the value of technological upgrading in improving safety.
Industry insiders analyzed that with the rising ownership of NEVs, brake pads are developing in the direction of "efficient manufacturing + environmentally friendly materials + intelligent adaptation". However, consumers need to be alert to the trap of "low-cost universal models" and prioritize products that meet national standards (friction coefficient ≥ 0.35) and are suitable for their vehicle models. "Brake pads are not ordinary accessories but a life support system. Technological innovation and standardized usage are indispensable."
