How Dangerous Are Aftermarket Brakes?

What Happens When Aftermarket Brakes Are Installed

While neglecting proper storage could indeed contribute to rust-related issues, a more probable explanation is that you visited a shop that installed aftermarket brakes. These shops might be recommended by your insurance provider because they offer low-cost repairs. However, aftermarket brakes don't just fail early—they pose ongoing risks every time you hit the road.

To ensure top-notch repairs while prioritizing customer safety, DaSilva’s Auto Body exclusively uses original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Here's what you need to understand about aftermarket brakes.

How Are Aftermarket Brakes Manufactured?

OEM brakes are crafted from pickled and oiled galvanized steel. Generally, galvanized steel is favored for its ability to withstand environmental factors. The pickling and oiling processes eliminate leftover scale from production, preventing the pads from rusting and failing prematurely.

Under current OEM guidelines, galvanized steel undergoes submersion in acid to remove the oxide layer formed during manufacturing. It’s then coated with oil to minimize future oxidation—or at least delay it significantly. This combination enhances adhesion between the brake pad and backing plate, working together with the car’s friction lining and rotors.

Inconsistent regulations surrounding brakes have led to aftermarket versions being made from a material known as “black steel.” Named for the black oxide layer left on its surface, black steel—sometimes coated silver to mimic galvanized steel—is problematic for several reasons:

• In terms of performance, black steel is less likely to stay securely fastened to the friction lining. This can result in newly installed brakes detaching mid-operation, affecting the car’s stopping distance and putting everyone inside at risk. Some drivers may even find themselves unable to stop at all.
• Since the initial oxide layer hasn’t been removed, black steel rusts faster. Even if the part stays attached, rusting leads to premature wear and eventual failure within a shorter timeframe.
• Unlike OEM brakes, which undergo rigorous industry testing, aftermarket brakes aren’t subject to similar standards. As a result, black steel is deemed acceptable despite its performance and safety concerns.

Standards and Regulations for Aftermarket Brakes

No state or federal regulations exist for aftermarket brakes comparable to those for their OEM equivalents. To highlight the dangers of self-regulation among aftermarket vendors, the Global Brake Safety Council conducted three studies comparing black steel brakes to illustrate how drivers face increased risks on the road.

The studies revealed that aftermarket brakes exhibit oxide layers linked to poor performance, early rusting, and safety issues. Key findings included:

• Aftermarket brakes have a higher failure rate, increasing the chance of accidents. Failures can extend stopping distances or render brakes ineffective entirely.
• Aftermarket brake pads tend to rust sooner, causing them to bind to the calipers and potentially detach from the friction lining.
• Not all aftermarket brakes use black steel, but a significant portion do, raising the probability of earlier failures. While cutting costs might seem appealing, installing these brakes essentially gambles with driver safety due to heightened corrosion risks.

For more information on the differences between OEM and aftermarket parts, and why we opt for OEM parts in all repairs, reach out to our Naugatuck location today to schedule an appointment.

Remember, your safety is paramount, and choosing the right parts makes all the difference. Don’t let subpar replacements compromise your peace of mind behind the wheel.