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When your brakes start squealing or you find yourself pushing harder to stop, it's time to visit an auto body shop. You're told the brakes or rotors need replacing, and after a few weeks, you're back on the road. But just months later, the same problem returns—could it be that your car is rusting in storage? While that’s possible, there’s a more likely explanation: you may have had **aftermarket brakes** installed.
Aftermarket parts are often cheaper and might even be recommended by your insurance company for cost-saving purposes. However, they can come with serious risks. At DaSilva’s Auto Body, we prioritize safety and only use **original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts** for all repairs, including brake systems. Here's why aftermarket brakes can be dangerous—and why OEM is the safer choice.
### How Are Aftermarket Brakes Made?
OEM brakes are made from **pickled and oiled galvanized steel**, which is designed to resist rust and wear. This process removes scale from manufacturing and coats the metal with oil to prevent oxidation. It ensures better adhesion between the brake pad and backing plate, which is essential for safe braking performance.
In contrast, many aftermarket brakes are made from **black steel**—a material that lacks the same level of protection. Black steel has a layer of oxide on its surface, which doesn’t get properly removed during production. Some vendors even paint it silver to mimic the look of galvanized steel. But this doesn't change the fact that black steel is less durable and more prone to failure.
### The Risks of Aftermarket Brakes
There are three major issues with using black steel in aftermarket brakes:
1. **Poor Adhesion**: Black steel doesn’t bond as well with the friction lining, increasing the risk of the brake pad detaching while driving. This can lead to longer stopping distances or even complete brake failure.
2. **Rust and Corrosion**: Without proper treatment, black steel rusts faster, leading to premature wear and potential system failure within a short period.
3. **Lack of Regulation**: Unlike OEM parts, which undergo strict testing and quality control, **aftermarket brakes are not held to the same standards**. This means some parts may be sold despite known performance and safety issues.
### Why Standards Matter
No federal or state regulations govern the quality of aftermarket brakes like they do for OEM parts. Studies by the Global Brake Safety Council have shown that aftermarket brakes often fail sooner, leading to increased stopping distances or even total brake failure. In some cases, brake pads can bind to the caliper, causing the backing plate to separate from the friction lining.
While not all aftermarket brakes are bad, a significant number use black steel, which increases the risk of corrosion and failure. Choosing cheaper parts now could mean risking your safety later.
At DaSilva’s Auto Body, we believe in using only **OEM parts** to ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable. If you’re concerned about your brakes or want to learn more about the differences between OEM and aftermarket parts, contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Naugatuck location. Your safety is our priority.