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We own two cars; a 2008 Holden Astra and a 2007 Toyota Yaris.

The Astra's front wheels need frequent cleaning and the need to use a wheel cleaning product due to excessive amounts of brake dust.

The Yaris wheels stay much cleaner and only require normal washing.

Why the difference, and can the Astra be converted to the same type of brake pad as the Yaris?

Colin

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 18 March 2011

It normally comes down to the brake pad material used.

Some pads create this problem more than others and of course wheel design can also have a big affect on the visual look the brake dust creates.

In most cases genuine brake pads should leave the least amount of brake dust however, come replacement time cost often encourage owners to look at cheaper options. The cheaper brake pad will, in most cases, still provide adequate braking but often a shorter life combined with excessive brake dust and brake squeal are the downsides.

The other important factor is the amount of braking one car is doing in comparison to the other. The Astra is a heavier vehicle and if used more than the Yaris or driven under different conditions it may simply produce more brake dust.

The big unknown when you go into any franchised dealership is what brake pad they are going to sell you. It is not unusual for components like brake pads to come packaged as genuine but they are in fact approved aftermarket parts.

Best you talk to your preferred repairer about the options available and the difference in costs.

Shouldn’t be this difficult I know, but because there are so many aftermarket/non genuine parts available it becomes a very cost driven market.

The new vehicle franchises often sell approved no genuine parts like brake pads to stay cost competitive. Like the other aftermarket brake pads on the market the end result is often a frustrating increase in brake dust.