High Performance 4x4 Brake Pads

Please note that the "Friction co-efficient" and "Optimum heat range" figures quoted below for Powerbrake pad compounds are based on our own brake dyno testing. These figures are conservative. We are fully aware that there are numerous pad manufacturers out there that grossly exaggerate friction co-efficient and heat range figures in their marketing material. Unfortunately many vehicle owners fall for these inflated figures and purchase the pads only to end up being very disappointed with the real world performance. At Powerbrake we do not exaggerate or inflate test results for marketing purposes. The brake dyno we use is set up to give conservative results. We would rather under-promise and over-deliver than the other way round. The figures quoted below are intended to highlight the differences between our own pad compounds in relation to one another. It is impossible to compare figures from two different brake dyno's. There are just too many variables. When comparing our figures to those published by some of our competitors, it may seem that their pads look good on paper. In the real world however, we are confident that you will be very happy with the performance of our pads, which will perform as advertised.... or better! That's why we have so many return customers that stick to our pad compounds.

Powerbrake Pad Compounds

Powerbrake AT-2

Optimum heat range: 0-540 deg C
Friction co-efficient: 0,42 - 0,44
Recommended tyres: All Terrain
Pad life: Good
Disc wear: Low
Brake dust: Low - Moderate
NVH (noise, vibration, harshness): Low
Suitable for street use: Yes
Suitable for towing: Yes
Suitable for off-road use: Yes

The new Powerbrake AT-2 compound is an excellent upgrade choice for most 4x4 / SUV applications. This material offers strong brake performance and very good heat range, resulting in reduced stopping distances and brake fade. AT-2 will offer a substantial upgrade in brake performance over most OE / factory fitted 4x4 pads, giving drivers of heavy 4x4 vehicles increased confidence in their brakes. Whether you drive mostly on-road or enjoy technical off-road driving, the AT-2 pad compound will offer excellent brake performance and will remain extremely consistent over a wide range of operating conditions. Pad wear life is good and disc abrasion & noise levels are very low for a pad compound that offers this level of brake performance. AT-2 is our current top-selling high-performance 4x4 pad for good reason.

Powerbrake AT-3

Optimum heat range: 0-550 deg C
Friction co-efficient: 0,47
Recommended tyres: All Terrain
Pad life: Good
Disc wear: Low
Brake dust: Low - Moderate
NVH (noise, vibration, harshness): Low
Suitable for street use: Yes
Suitable for towing: Yes
Suitable for off-road use: Yes

The Powerbrake AT-3 compound is aimed at customers that are looking for a stronger initial bite than our AT-2 compound offers. Brake response and stopping power are excellent and the material offers very unique characteristics and feel. We have never tested another 4x4 pad compound that will compete with the feel and performance of the AT-3 compound under daily driving conditions. This compound is ideally suited to 4x4 and double-cab owners that use their cars mostly for street use, with the occasional off-road excursion. The strong bite and high friction levels inspire real confidence when braking on tar road surfaces - even from high speeds. While the AT-3 pads can be used without any issues in off road conditions, the smoother engagement of our AT-2 compound may be easier to modulate if you are forced to brake suddenly on loose surfaces such as gravel roads. DIsc abrasion is low and pad wear is good. The AT-3 pads will wear a little quicker than our AT-2 compound but the pad still lasts very well.

Powerbrake AT-4

Optimum heat range: 0-610 deg C
Friction co-efficient: 0,43 - 0,52
Recommended tyres: High quality - All Terrain
Pad life: Good
Disc wear: Medium - high
Brake dust: Medium - high
NVH (noise, vibration, harshness): Medium
Suitable for street use: Yes
Suitable for towing: Yes
Suitable for off-road use: Yes

Responding to requests from customers with powerful or modified 4x4's or those who have fitted big wheel and tyre packages (which negatively affect brake performance), we decided to launch our AT-4 compound. This material offers the very highest levels of friction and fade resistance that you will find on the world market in 4x4 pad profiles (excluding dedicated race pads). The pads have a rising torque curve that starts with a positive initial bite and then builds to make use of the extra traction at the front tyres, once weight transfer has taken place, during the first moments of a brake application. The AT-4 pads are ideally suited to drivers of powerful 4x4's that travel at fairly high-speeds or carry / tow heavy loads. Available for most popular 4x4 applications, you will not a higher performing 4x4 pad on the market. If you are experiencing serious brake fade with the current brake setup on your 4x4, then our AT-4 pads would be worth considering. The AT-4 compound will result in a little more disc wear than our AT-2 and AT-3 compounds. This is the trade-off for this level of brake performance and fade resistance.

Powerbrake Pad Compound Characteristics:

Powerbrake Pad Compound characteristics