Questions and Answers
Why Asbestos?
Q. I thought that asbestos had been banned as a material in automotive brake pads/shoes years ago.
Yet they are sold and used to this day. Can you tell me why?
Thank you,
SaverioA. Brake manufacturers have tried many different compositions for braking material and there is nothing better than asbestos as base for braking material. Brakes have to operate under very high temperatures and nothing can withstand the heat better. Brakes use friction to stop your vehicle, friction causes heat. The more friction required to stop your vehicle, the more heat is produced. The amount of asbestos in the braking material has decreased over the years, but it will always be the prime material for brake pads and shoes.
