LPR vs. OE Brake Pads: A UK Driver's Insight

When it comes to the safety and performance of your vehicle, few components are as critical as the braking system. The choice between Original Equipment (OE) brake pads and reputable aftermarket alternatives is a common dilemma for many drivers and mechanics across the UK. While OE parts are often seen as the benchmark, the aftermarket sector has made significant strides, with some brands now offering compelling advantages. Today, we delve into how LPR brake pads measure up, particularly in light of independent testing, and explore the innovative solutions they offer for drum brake systems.

LPR Brake Pads: Outperforming the Original?

The notion that aftermarket parts are inherently inferior to OE components is a long-standing one, yet it’s increasingly being challenged by rigorous testing. A prime example comes from Quattroruote, Italy's most renowned car magazine, which conducted comprehensive comparative tests on OE brake pads and various aftermarket options. The results for LPR brake pads, specifically those supplied in the RAL (Ricambi Arici Luciano) box, were nothing short of remarkable, offering a compelling argument for their adoption.

Performance on the Road

The Quattroruote tests focused on real-world braking performance, a crucial metric for any driver. At higher speeds, where braking efficiency becomes even more critical, LPR brake pads demonstrated a clear advantage. They achieved braking results at 130 km/h that were even better than the OE pads. This superior performance at speed translates directly to enhanced safety, potentially reducing stopping distances in critical situations on motorways and dual carriageways.

At more common driving speeds, such as 100 km/h, the LPR pads performed more or less equally to their OE counterparts. This consistency across a range of speeds underscores their reliability and robust design. Crucially, throughout these demanding tests, the LPR pads exhibited no problems with noise, vibrations, or any adverse damage to the brake discs. This speaks volumes about their quality and the comfort they provide, avoiding the irritating squeals and judders sometimes associated with lesser brake pads.

Durability and Longevity

Beyond immediate performance, the longevity of brake pads is a significant factor for vehicle owners, impacting both maintenance costs and convenience. After the Quattroruote tests, the brake pads were meticulously measured for wear. The findings were particularly impressive for LPR. Their brake pads lost significantly less friction material – almost 50% less compared to all other tested brands, including the OE pads. This substantial reduction in wear directly translates to a longer service life, meaning fewer replacements and greater value for money over the lifespan of your vehicle.

Comparative Overview: LPR vs. OE Brake Pads

Here’s a snapshot of how LPR brake pads stack up against Original Equipment, based on the independent tests:

This table clearly illustrates LPR's competitive edge, offering not just comparable performance but often superior characteristics in critical areas like high-speed braking and wear resistance.

LPR Easy Kit: Revolutionising Drum Brake Maintenance

While disc brakes are prevalent on the front axles of most modern vehicles, drum brakes continue to be widely used, particularly on the rear axles of many cars and light commercial vehicles. Maintaining these systems can sometimes be complex, involving multiple components. LPR addresses this with its innovative Easy Kit, designed to make drum brake maintenance quicker, more effective, and reliably high-quality.

The Convenience of Pre-Assembly

LPR offers a wide range of kits for drum brakes, but the Easy Kit stands out as an optimal solution. Unlike 'simple kits' where components are supplied disassembled, the Easy Kit components are pre-assembled. This means they are immediately ready for installation, saving valuable time for mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike. The convenience of having everything pre-mounted significantly reduces the complexity and potential for errors during the installation process.

All-Inclusive Solution

Another key advantage of the Easy Kit is its comprehensive nature. Each box includes not only the pre-assembled brake shoes and associated hardware but also the two brake cylinders. This ensures that all critical components required for a complete and correct replacement of drum brakes are readily available in one package, eliminating the need to source individual parts separately.

Guaranteed Quality and Reliability

The Easy Kit allows the installer to ensure the correct and best replacement of drum brakes with the guarantee of the highest quality and reliability. This assurance stems from the fact that the adjustment systems, which are vital for proper brake function, are already pre-mounted and thoroughly tested. This pre-testing ensures that the system will perform as expected from the moment of installation.

The Essential Adjustment System and Termoclip

The adjustment system is arguably the most essential and fundamental element of the Easy Kit. Its primary function is to maintain a constant distance between the brake shoe and the drum, which in turn ensures a consistent and predictable stroke of the brake pedal. This constant adjustment is crucial for maintaining optimal braking performance and pedal feel throughout the life of the drum brake system.

Furthermore, LPR has innovatively added a termoclip to the Easy Kit. This clever component is designed to prevent the locking of the wheels in cases of overheating of the brake drum. The termoclip intervenes at different temperatures depending on the specific type of brake system, providing an additional layer of safety that helps mitigate risks associated with extreme braking conditions.

Rigorous Quality Standards and Approvals

The LPR Easy Kit boasts high quality standards, a direct result of LPR's extensive experience in the field of braking components and their stringent control over each piece manufactured. This commitment to quality ensures that every kit meets demanding performance and safety criteria.

LPR also caters to the diverse range of original vehicle brake systems by offering different types of rods within their kits, including those compatible with Lucas, Bosch-Bendix, Volkswagen, Ford, and AP systems. In most cases, the mounted rod in the LPR Easy Kit has the same shape and performance as the original. For the AP type, which is covered by patent, LPR's Research and Development team has ingeniously developed and implemented a new type of self-adjusting rod, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and problem-solving.

Crucially, all LPR Easy Kits are approved according to the European directive "ECE-R90". This certification is a vital stamp of quality and safety, confirming that the parts meet stringent European standards for brake component design and performance, assuring you of their reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brakes

Q1: Are aftermarket brake pads always inferior to OE pads?

A: Not necessarily. As demonstrated by the Quattroruote tests with LPR, many reputable aftermarket manufacturers produce parts that meet or even exceed OE specifications in terms of performance, durability, and safety. The key is to choose a trusted brand with a proven track record, like LPR, rather than opting for unbranded or very cheap alternatives.

Q2: How often should I have my brakes checked?

A: It's generally recommended to have your brakes inspected at least once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, if you notice any changes in braking performance, such as unusual noises, vibrations, or a spongy pedal, you should have them checked immediately.

Q3: What are the common signs of worn drum brakes?

A: Signs of worn drum brakes can include a grinding noise when braking, a reduction in braking efficiency (requiring more pedal pressure), a 'pulling' sensation to one side when braking, or a parking brake that feels less effective or needs to be pulled higher than usual.

Q4: Why is ECE-R90 approval important for brake parts?

A: ECE-R90 is a European regulation that ensures aftermarket brake pads and linings meet strict safety and performance standards. Parts with this approval have been rigorously tested to ensure they perform similarly to the original equipment, providing peace of mind regarding their quality and safety. It's a hallmark of a reliable product.

Q5: Can I install an LPR Easy Kit myself?

A: While the LPR Easy Kit is designed for simplified installation due to its pre-assembled components, working with brake systems requires specific knowledge, tools, and an understanding of safety procedures. Incorrect installation can compromise your vehicle's braking performance and safety. Unless you are an experienced mechanic or have significant DIY automotive experience, it is highly recommended to have brake components installed by a qualified professional.

Conclusion

The evidence from independent testing clearly positions LPR brake pads as a high-performance, durable, and comfortable alternative to Original Equipment. Their ability to offer superior high-speed braking and significantly extended longevity, all while maintaining quiet and smooth operation, makes them an excellent choice for any driver seeking an upgrade or a reliable replacement. Furthermore, the LPR Easy Kit for drum brakes exemplifies innovation, simplifying a traditionally complex maintenance task with pre-assembled, high-quality components and an added layer of safety with the termoclip. Choosing LPR means investing in safety, performance, and longevity for your vehicle's crucial braking system.

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