How Dangerous Are Aftermarket Brakes?

What Happens When Aftermarket Brakes Are Installed

It's easy to assume it's user error, but often, the real culprit lies elsewhere. More often than not, the auto body shop you visited installed aftermarket brakes instead of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. These shops are sometimes recommended by insurers because they offer the cheapest repair options. However, aftermarket brakes aren't just prone to early failure—they can compromise your safety every single time you drive.

At DaSilva’s Auto Body, we prioritize safety above all else. That's why we exclusively use OEM parts for all our repair and replacement jobs, including brakes. Here's what you should know about aftermarket brakes and why they fall short compared to their OEM counterparts.

Understanding the Manufacturing Process

OEM brakes are crafted using pickled and oiled galvanized steel. Galvanized steel is favored for its ability to resist environmental damage. During production, the material undergoes pickling to eliminate leftover scale from manufacturing and is then oiled to prevent rust and premature failure. Under current OEM regulations, galvanized steel is first treated with acid to remove the oxide layer formed during production, followed by an oil coating to minimize future oxidation or delay it as much as possible. This combination enhances the bond between the brake pad and backing plate, ensuring smooth interaction with the car’s friction lining and rotors.

In contrast, aftermarket brakes are typically made from a substance known as "black steel." This term refers to the black oxide layer that remains on the surface. While some aftermarket brakes may appear silver-coated to mimic galvanized steel, black steel presents several significant issues:

• Performance-wise, black steel is less likely to stay securely attached to the friction lining, meaning the newly installed brakes could detach mid-operation. This impacts the car's stopping distance and endangers everyone inside. In severe cases, drivers might find they cannot stop at all.
• Since the initial oxide layer hasn't been removed, black steel rusts much faster. Even if the part stays intact, rusting can lead to excessive wear and eventual failure in a short period.
• Unlike OEM brakes, which undergo rigorous industry testing, aftermarket brakes lack the same level of oversight. Consequently, black steel continues to be used despite its well-documented performance and safety concerns.

Regulatory Gaps for Aftermarket Brakes

There are no state or federal regulations governing aftermarket brakes, unlike their OEM equivalents. To shed light on this issue, the Global Brake Safety Council conducted three studies comparing black steel to OEM parts. The findings revealed that self-regulation within the aftermarket industry puts drivers at unnecessary risk on the road.

The studies concluded that aftermarket brakes frequently suffer from oxide layers linked to poor performance, rapid rusting, and safety issues. Key findings include:

• Aftermarket brakes are more likely to fail, raising the chances of accidents. Such failures can either increase stopping distances or prevent the car from stopping altogether.
• Aftermarket brake pads tend to rust earlier, causing them to bind to the calipers and detach from the friction lining.
• Not all aftermarket brakes utilize black steel, but a noticeable percentage does, making it more probable that vehicles equipped with these parts will encounter failure sooner. While cutting costs by installing aftermarket brakes may seem appealing, it ultimately jeopardizes the driver's safety due to increased corrosion and rust risks.

For more information on the differences between OEM and aftermarket parts and why we choose OEM parts for all our repairs, feel free to reach out. To schedule an appointment, contact our Naugatuck shop today.