Choosing the perfect brake pads for your car is a high-stakes decision. The right brake pad ensures not only the performance but also the safety of your ride. Hawk Performance has long been recognized as a leading brand in the brake pad market.
In this article, we’re going to dive deep into a comparison of two of their popular offerings: the Hawk HP Plus and the HPS 5.0 brake pads.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Hawk HP Plus | Hawk HPS 5.0 |
| Performance under Heat | Excellent | Good |
| Noise | Noticeable Squeal | Quiet Operation |
| Dust Generation | High | Low |
| Driving Comfort | Harsher ride (high friction) | Smoother ride (moderate friction) |
| Use Case | Racing/High-Performance Driving | Daily Commuting/Street Driving |
A Deep Dive into Hawk HP Plus Brake Pads
The Hawk HP Plus brake pads have been a top choice among many driving enthusiasts, and for good reason. HP Plus pads are characterized by their high friction output and impressive fade resistance. Let’s break down their key features:
Pros of Hawk HP Plus Brake Pads
- High Friction Output: HP Plus pads are renowned for their excellent grip. These pads are designed to stop your car quickly, making them ideal for high-performance driving situations like racing or spirited street driving.
- Fade Resistance: HP Plus pads excel in high-temperature environments, maintaining performance levels even under extreme conditions. If you’re looking for brake pads that can withstand intense heat, these are for you.
- Durability: Thanks to their superior construction, HP Plus pads are known for their long lifespan. They offer consistent performance throughout their usage period, saving you frequent replacements.
Cons of Hawk HP Plus Brake Pads
- Noise: The high friction output comes with a downside: increased noise. Some users have reported a noticeable squeal, particularly during gentle braking.
- Dust Production: HP Plus pads tend to produce more brake dust compared to their counterparts. This can lead to additional cleaning and maintenance requirements.
- Reduced Comfort: Their aggressive bite can sometimes make these pads less suitable for everyday commuting, delivering a harsher ride than softer pads.
Also Read: Reasons For BMW Brakes Being So Expensive.
Delving into Hawk HPS 5.0 Brake Pads
On the other side of the spectrum, we have the Hawk HPS 5.0 brake pads. These pads balance high performance with comfort and are designed to deliver a smooth ride. Here’s what you need to know about the HPS 5.0 brake pads:
Pros of Hawk HPS 5.0 Brake Pads
- Versatility: The HPS 5.0 brake pads are designed for a variety of driving styles, from casual commuting to spirited street driving. They offer the perfect blend of performance and comfort.
- Low Dust: HPS 5.0 pads are known for their low-dust formulation. This means less cleaning and maintenance for you, as well as potentially longer life for your wheels and tires.
- Quiet Operation: These pads operate quietly, minimizing the noise typically associated with braking. This contributes to a smoother, more enjoyable ride.
Cons of Hawk HPS 5.0 Brake Pads
- Lower Fade Resistance: While these pads perform admirably under most conditions, they may not handle extreme heat as effectively as the HP Plus.
- Moderate Friction: HPS 5.0 brake pads may not provide the ultra-high grip of HP Plus pads. While this makes for a smoother ride, it may not suit those who prefer a more aggressive bite.
Key Differences between Hawk HP Plus and HPS 5.0 Brake Pads
While Hawk HP Plus and HPS 5.0 brake pads both come from the trusted Hawk Performance brand, they do offer different features that make them suitable for varied driving needs. Here, we will delve deeper into the key differences that set these two apart.
- Performance under Heat
One significant distinction between the HP Plus and the HPS 5.0 is their performance under high-temperature conditions.
This becomes a critical factor if you participate in motorsports or if you live in an area with extreme temperature fluctuations.
Hawk HP Plus pads are known for their impressive fade resistance.
They maintain consistent performance even under high heat, making them a favorite for racing enthusiasts.
The HP Plus formula is specifically designed to cope with the heat generated from hard, consistent braking, maintaining their bite and ensuring excellent stopping power even when things get hot.
On the other hand, the HPS 5.0 pads offer good performance under regular driving conditions but may falter under extreme heat. While they are designed for high performance, their heat tolerance isn’t quite as high as the HP Plus.
- Noise and Dust Generation
Noise and dust production are factors that affect your overall driving comfort and maintenance needs. These are also areas where HP Plus and HPS 5.0 pads greatly differ.
Hawk HP Plus pads, due to their high friction and aggressive bite, can be quite noisy. Users report noticeable squeal, especially during gentle braking.
Also, HP Plus pads produce more brake dust as a side effect of their strong grip and high friction. This could mean more frequent cleaning to keep your wheels shining and potentially a shorter lifespan for your wheels and tires.
In contrast, the HPS 5.0 pads are designed to be quiet and low-dust. These characteristics make them a popular choice for drivers who want a smooth and comfortable ride without having to worry about frequent cleaning or noise.
- Driving Comfort
How a brake pad affects your driving comfort is determined by its bite and how it translates into the driving experience.
Hawk HP Plus pads, being high-friction brake pads, provide an aggressive bite. While this is great for high-performance situations, it may translate to a harsher ride, especially for daily commuting or long drives.
The HPS 5.0 brake pads, however, provide a more balanced performance. Their moderate friction provides good stopping power while ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
This makes the HPS 5.0 a versatile choice, suited for various driving styles.
Also Read: Comparison of PowerStop Z16 And Z17 Brake Pads.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve outlined the pros and cons of Hawk HP Plus and HPS 5.0 brake pads, the question is: Which one is right for you?
If you’re seeking high-performance brake pads that can stand up to extreme conditions, the HP Plus pads could be your best bet. Conversely, if you desire a balanced performance that offers comfort and quiet operation, the HPS 5.0 brake pads may be the way to go.
Remember, your choice of brake pad should be determined by your unique needs and driving habits. Whether you choose the Hawk HP Plus or HPS 5.0 brake pads, you’re selecting from a trusted brand known for quality and performance.
Your car deserves the best. Make the choice that suits your style, and drive with confidence.
