Brake Wear Trends: BMC Investigates PM Emissions

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As part of its ongoing support for the California Air Resources Board on-road testing and research efforts, Brake Maufacturers Council® members are delving deeper into patterns and trends related to particulate matter (PM) emissions from brake wear. Traditionally, PM emissions data is collected using a set of new brake pads and new rotors for each sample set. However, BMC members have observed that repeated test runs on the same pads and rotors often yield decreasing PM measurements until the components achieve a wear-in state.

See also: Brendan Morris Named BMC Chair

This observation is crucial for understanding PM emissions over the lifetime of brake pads and rotors on in-use vehicles. BMC members are compiling additional data to submit to CARB, along with recommended test protocols designed to more accurately measure wear patterns. These protocols aim to provide more representative results for lifetime in-use brake and rotor wear.

MEMA believes that these suggestions will enhance CARB’s research, leading to a more comprehensive and useful final report. For additional information, please contact MEMA’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Alex Boesenberg ([email protected]). 

About BMC

Since 1973, the Brake Manufacturers Council has represented the interests of the brake industry. In 2010, it became an operating council of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), now part of the Aftermarket group of MEMA.

The Brake Manufacturers Council represents the interests of brake friction manufacturers by:

• Communicating with federal, state, and local government authorities with a legislative or regulatory function. Their actions may affect automotive brake parts or systems. An example is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Gathering and communicating information on topics of interest to the brake parts industry.
• Conducting activities whenever appropriate for the common benefit of manufacturers of automotive brake parts or systems. An example of this is the Copper-Free Brakes Initiative.
• Meeting twice a year. The meetings provide a platform to address current and anticipated issues facing automotive brake parts and systems manufacturers. The meetings feature guest speakers as well as council sponsored project and legislative updates.

The BMC meets twice a year. The meetings provide a platform to address current and anticipated issues facing automotive brake parts and systems manufacturers. The meetings feature guest speakers as well as council sponsored project and legislative updates.