In Gambia, the automotive sector faces significant challenges due to the coastal humidity and high ambient temperatures. The frequent salt-laden air from the Atlantic Ocean accelerates the corrosion of calipers and the degradation of the brake pad shoe, leading to uneven wear and reduced braking efficiency.
Moreover, the mixture of paved urban roads in Banjul and unpaved rural tracks creates a harsh environment where dust and sand act as abrasives. This significantly shortens the lifespan of brake pads & shoes, forcing fleet operators and private owners to replace parts more frequently than in temperate climates.
Consequently, there is a growing demand for semi-metallic and ceramic formulations that can maintain a stable friction coefficient under extreme heat, ensuring that the brake pad does not suffer from thermal fade during prolonged descents or heavy-load transport.
