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In my previous article titled “Which Brake Pad Is Best For You?”, we discussed the best compounds for the different types of vehicles on the road today. Some brake pad applications work better on some vehicles, while others are superior on other cars. With all these options available today, it can be a bit mind-boggling trying to decide which one is best for you. Usually the type of vehicle you have and what it is used for will determine the answer.

Companies spend millions on marketing professionals and modes to make their product more attractive than others. It’s easy to get caught up in all the fancy gift wrapping and verbiage, which is used to increase the value of the item in the box. However, what really matters is what is actually inside the box. What matters are those that have been over-tested and tested under the most grueling conditions.

New cars must meet federal performance standards, such as a minimum stopping distance in various situations with a specific pedal effort. Most motorists believe that the set of brake pads they are purchasing will be exactly the same as, if not better than, the vehicle’s original equipment brake pads. However, this is not always the case. Fortunately, there are two different types of voluntary certifications that a brake company can obtain for its product, if it passes the test. Be sure to look for a certified label on the set of brake pads you are purchasing.

Dual Dynamometer Differential Effectiveness Analysis (D3EA) Certification – This certification was introduced in 1996 as a separate proprietary program developed by Greening Testing Laboratories, located in Detroit, MI. The D3EA certified label supports that the pad has passed their series of rigorous tests. Using dual dynamometers, this tests the front and rear friction materials together. The weight and speed of the vehicle are simulated through a complex computer program that allows the efficiency and stability of various cars to be measured. Some companies with D3EA certified products are Duralast, Raybestos, Satisfied, NAPA, Monroe, Wagner, Centric and Akebono.

Brake Efficiency Evaluation Procedure (BEEP) – This alternative type of certification was introduced by the Brake Manufacturers Council or BMC. Unlike the D3EA test, the BEEP assessment is performed using a single dynamometer. Ultimately, the argument was that most consumers only replace their front or rear brake pads, and not both sets at the same time, making a dual dyno test unnecessary. If the products pass their series of stringent tests, they will be approved to market their seal of approval.

Not all product lines from each manufacturer are tested with one of these two systems. Fortunately, most companies see that it is important to their safety and the safety of others that they have approved products. Most of the brand brake pads these days have successfully taken and passed these certifications. The next time your auto mechanic installs a set of brake pads, I dare you to ask if they are D3EA or BEEP certified.

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