Copper brake restriction may be new normal

Dec 28, 2012 | 12:28 PM | Samuel Frizell

Tags  Better Brakes Law, auto brake pads, Ann Wilson, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, Jim Capizzi, Sunny USA, Rick Jamieson, ABS Friction Samuel Frizell

NEW YORK — A Washington state law set to take effect Jan. 1 will restrict copper usage in automobile brake pads and likely affect copper and brake manufacturing across the country, industry leaders said.

Dubbed the Better Brakes Law, the new legislation requires auto parts manufacturers to cut the amount of copper in brake pads to less than 5 percent of weight by 2021 in order to prevent copper runoff from entering waterways. Manufacturers of friction brakes are required to report copper concentrations in their brakes by Jan. 1.....





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