Manufactured in Spain, Woking is one of Europe’s leading aftermarket friction manufacturers. Established in 1970 and named after the birthplace of McLaren Cars, Woking produces more than 25-million brake pad sets a year using OE equivalent quality control to the strict ECE-R90 certified standards.

What makes Woking special?

Woking has a firm commitment to environmental protection. Every time you brake your vehicle produces brake dust, which finds its way into urban waterways, streams and rivers. This dust contains heavy metals such as copper which has negative biological effects, as endorsed by a study conducted by the University of Canterbury. That’s a bad thing for everyone.

However, after long-term research in raw materials and continuous environmental improvements all Woking products meet the most advanced environmental regulations in the world, and so far 92 percent  of Woking brake pads are certified as “N”, which means they are totally free of  heavy metals.

Local Woking distributor Partmaster says it is passionate about finding products that are better for our planet, and that’s why it exclusively distributes Woking nationwide. This is especially important as more zero-emission vehicles hit the streets, to ensure you have a choice in a sustainable future.

What is ECE-R90 standard?

Unlike New Zealand, which has no enforceable regulations governing the performance of aftermarket brake components, Europe and many other nations do, and must comply with ECE-R90.

This standard calls for linings to be tested for speed sensitivity, cold performance, and replacement brake pads and brake shoes are not permitted to deviate from the frictional characteristics of their original-equipment counterparts by more than ±15 percent. Every pad Woking produces is 100 percent complaint.

This ensures replacement parts are fit for purpose, have the best performance, and will perform as expected when most needed…an emergency, where stopping distance saves lives.

Why choose Woking?

First up, the backing plate. This is one of the most important components to ensure a correct brake pad performance. The appropriate blanking during the manufacturing process guarantees a completely flat surface of the plate, as well as the exact dimensions respecting the minimum tolerances allowed by this process. And in addition the final powder paint procedure will avoid any kind of plate corrosion in the future.

Then there’s the damping shim. Noise is one of the most common problems concerning braking, and for precisely that reason Woking has a range of products containing every component required in a correct fitting, according to the vehicle manufacturer specifications. The shim plate reduces frequencies and vibrations usually caused by different components (such as caliper, suspension or chassis) and prevents noise transmission to the pad.

Naturally the friction material has a high level of importance, and Woking friction material balances performance, comfort and a long service life,  with every pad being designed specifically to suit the application. A recent investment has just been made in the Woking production lines in order to purchase new deep moulding press, together with additional scorching and painting sections. Those investments improve even more Woking brake pads’ advantages.

The R&D department is constantly researching into efficient solutions, especially when the pads are exposed to the most adverse circumstances. Woking designs, develops and produces its own friction material formulae, based on components both quality tested and environmentally friendly. The goal: your protection.

Finally, scorching. This entails a 650 deg.C heat treatment of the plate's surface under a one-tonne pressure, permitting the evacuation of any residual gas right after manufacturing process. This means the pads are ready to use with no further ‘bed-in’ required. Without scorching, friction material would overheat during its initial life period and consequently, reducing brake pad efficiency.

Woking is committed to the environment, and has a long history of:

• Sustainable development and environmental protection.
• Brake pads which meet the strictest environmental regulations in the world, thanks to continuous research in raw material and environmental improvement.

• Freedom from heavy metals such as, among others, lead, copper and antimony, with 92 percent  certified as “N”, totally heavy metal free, and 100% ECE-R90 regulation compliant

For more information contact your local Partmaster sales representative or phone 0800 727 862. Or visit www.partmaster.co.nz/woking