17/06/2007
When it comes to upgrading your vehicle's braking system, choosing the right brake pads can make a world of difference. For many performance-oriented drivers and track day enthusiasts, Hawk Performance is a name that immediately comes to mind. Within their extensive range, the Hawk HP Plus brake pads stand out as a popular and highly regarded option. But what exactly are Hawk HP Plus pads, and what makes them a compelling choice for those seeking enhanced stopping performance? This article delves into the intricacies of these pads, exploring their design, benefits, ideal applications, and crucial considerations for installation and maintenance.
Understanding the Hawk HP Plus Brake Pad
The Hawk HP Plus brake pad is a semi-metallic, high-performance friction material designed to bridge the gap between everyday street driving and more demanding track or autocross use. Hawk Performance is renowned for its innovative approach to brake pad compounds, and the HP Plus is a testament to this. Unlike standard OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) pads, which are typically designed for a balance of comfort, noise, and longevity, the HP Plus compound is engineered for a higher coefficient of friction, meaning it generates more stopping force.
This increased friction comes from a carefully formulated blend of materials, including various metals, carbon, and other proprietary compounds. This composition allows the HP Plus pads to provide significantly better bite and stopping power, especially under heavier braking loads. One of the key advantages of this compound is its ability to maintain consistent performance even when subjected to high temperatures, a phenomenon commonly known as brake fade. Brake fade occurs when repeated or hard braking causes the pads and rotors to overheat, reducing their friction capabilities and leading to a spongy brake pedal and diminished stopping power. The HP Plus compound is specifically designed to resist this thermal degradation.
Key Benefits of Hawk HP Plus Pads
The decision to upgrade to Hawk HP Plus brake pads is often driven by a desire for tangible improvements in braking performance. Here are some of the primary benefits:
- Enhanced Stopping Power: The most significant advantage is the noticeable increase in stopping force. This translates to shorter braking distances, which can be crucial in emergency situations or during spirited driving.
- Superior Fade Resistance: As mentioned, these pads excel at resisting fade. This makes them ideal for situations where brakes are used repeatedly and intensely, such as during track days, autocross events, or even aggressive mountain driving.
- Improved Initial Bite: The HP Plus compound offers a more immediate and aggressive initial response when the brake pedal is applied. This provides a more confident and connected feel to the braking system.
- Rotor Compatibility: While offering higher performance, Hawk has engineered the HP Plus compound to be relatively kind to brake rotors. This means they can provide excellent performance without excessively wearing down your rotors, contributing to a longer lifespan for your braking components.
- Versatility: While primarily aimed at performance driving, the HP Plus compound is still suitable for spirited street use. They offer a significant upgrade over stock pads without being overly aggressive for daily commuting, although some trade-offs in noise and dust may be present.
Ideal Applications for Hawk HP Plus Pads
The Hawk HP Plus brake pads are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Their design caters to specific driving needs and preferences. Here are the scenarios where they truly shine:
- Track Days and Autocross: This is where the HP Plus pads are arguably most at home. Their ability to withstand heat and provide consistent stopping power makes them an excellent choice for drivers who frequently participate in these events.
- Spirited Street Driving: For drivers who enjoy a more dynamic driving experience on public roads and demand more from their braking system, the HP Plus pads offer a noticeable improvement.
- Performance-Oriented Vehicles: Cars that are already tuned for performance or are driven in a more aggressive manner will benefit greatly from the enhanced capabilities of these pads.
- Cars with Upgraded Wheel/Tyre Packages: If you've upgraded your tyres for better grip or larger wheels, your braking system might become a limiting factor. The HP Plus pads can help balance your car's performance capabilities.
Considerations and Potential Trade-offs
While the Hawk HP Plus pads offer significant advantages, it's important to be aware of potential trade-offs that come with a performance-oriented compound:
- Increased Dust: High-performance brake pads, especially those with metallic content, tend to produce more brake dust than standard OEM pads. This can lead to wheels getting dirty more quickly.
- Potential for Noise: While Hawk strives to minimise noise, performance pads can sometimes exhibit more audible noise, such as squealing or groaning, particularly during initial bedding-in or at low speeds.
- Shorter Pad Life (in some applications): In very aggressive driving scenarios, the increased friction material wear rate of performance pads might be slightly higher than that of standard pads. However, for spirited street use, the longevity is often comparable or even better due to the compound's durability.
- Bedding-in Procedure: Like most performance brake pads, the Hawk HP Plus requires a specific bedding-in procedure to achieve optimal performance and longevity. This involves a series of moderate to firm stops to properly transfer friction material to the rotor surface.
Brake Pad Materials: A Comparative Look
To better understand where the Hawk HP Plus fits, let's briefly compare it to other common brake pad materials:
| Brake Pad Material | Characteristics | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Organic (Non-Asbestos Organic - NAO) | Quiet, low dust, comfortable, shorter lifespan, lower initial bite, prone to fade. | Standard OEM, daily commuting. |
| Semi-Metallic (e.g., Hawk HP Plus) | Good performance, good fade resistance, increased dust, potential for noise, good rotor compatibility. | Performance street, autocross, light track use. |
| Ceramic | Very quiet, low dust, good fade resistance, consistent performance, can be more expensive, initial bite can vary. | Premium street, some performance applications. |
| High-Carbon/Metallic (Track-focused) | Extreme stopping power, excellent fade resistance, high dust, can be noisy, aggressive on rotors, requires high operating temperatures. | Dedicated track use, racing. |
As you can see from the table, the Hawk HP Plus occupies a valuable middle ground, offering a significant performance uplift over organic pads without the extreme characteristics of dedicated track compounds.
Installation and Safety Considerations
Important Note: Brakes are a safety-critical part of a motor vehicle. Brake components should be installed by a competent mechanic in a professional manner. Any incorrect installation of brake components can cause a major safety problem or an accident. If you are not a competent and qualified mechanic you should not attempt to install these products, but should take the vehicle to a vehicle dealer or competent automotive mechanic for their installation.
Disc brake pads and rotors are wear items and as such, should be inspected regularly and replaced as necessary. Ensuring that your brake system is in good working order is paramount for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
When installing Hawk HP Plus pads, or any brake component, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommended bedding-in procedure. This typically involves a series of moderate to firm stops from various speeds, allowing the pads and rotors to reach optimal operating temperature and form a uniform transfer layer. Failure to properly bed in the pads can result in reduced performance, increased noise, and premature wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Hawk HP Plus pads suitable for daily driving?
- Yes, they are suitable for spirited daily driving. However, be aware of potentially increased dust and occasional noise compared to OEM pads.
- Do I need to upgrade my rotors when using Hawk HP Plus pads?
- While not strictly necessary if your current rotors are in good condition, upgrading to performance rotors can further enhance braking performance and thermal capacity. The HP Plus pads are designed to work well with most quality rotors.
- How do Hawk HP Plus pads compare to Hawk HPS (High Performance Street) pads?
- The HP Plus compound is generally considered more aggressive and offers a higher temperature threshold than the HPS compound. The HPS is more focused on street performance with less dust and noise, while the HP Plus leans more towards track-day capability while remaining streetable.
- How do I bed in my new Hawk HP Plus pads?
- A typical bedding procedure involves a series of accelerations and moderate to firm stops. For example, accelerate to 30-40 mph, brake firmly (but not locking up) to 10-15 mph, repeat 5-10 times. Then, accelerate to 50-60 mph, brake firmly to 15-20 mph, repeat 3-5 times. After the stops, drive for a few minutes without heavy braking to allow the brakes to cool. Avoid coming to a complete stop during the bedding process if possible. Always consult the specific instructions provided by Hawk.
- Will Hawk HP Plus pads cause excessive wear on my rotors?
- Hawk Performance designs their compounds to be rotor-friendly relative to their performance level. While all performance pads may show slightly increased wear compared to organic pads under extreme use, the HP Plus is generally considered to have good rotor compatibility for its performance class.
In conclusion, the Hawk HP Plus brake pads represent a significant upgrade for drivers seeking enhanced stopping power, superior fade resistance, and a more engaging braking experience. Whether you're a track enthusiast or simply enjoy a more dynamic drive on the street, these pads offer a compelling balance of performance and usability. However, always remember the critical importance of proper installation by a qualified professional to ensure your safety.
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