Terra Performance – FAQ

At Terra Performance, the mission is to deliver braking solutions that cover the full spectrum of driving, from quiet daily commutes to adrenaline-fueled race weekends. Terra believes that confidence starts with control.

Each Terra compound is developed with precision materials, tested under real-world and track conditions, and engineered to balance stopping power, fade resistance, and rotor care. Terra pads are 100% tested on the road and track before reaching stock.

Both are high-performance pads, but they are designed for different uses.

• Terra Track Days (TR): This is our high-performance "hybrid" compound. It's ideal for fast road use and occasional, light-duty track days. It's designed to provide excellent performance over a wide temperature range, including the lower temperatures of street driving.
• Terra Race (RC): This is a dedicated, "competition only" compound. It is engineered for the extreme and unpredictable nature of competitive motorsport and offers maximum friction and fade resistance at very high racing temperatures. We do not recommend this pad for street use.

This is strongly discouraged. The Terra Race (RC) compound is designed exclusively for motorsport. Race compounds require significant heat to operate effectively and may have poor 'cold bite' in normal street driving. Furthermore, when fitted to standard road-going vehicles, they can generate significantly more noise (squeal) and dust compared to standard pads. For a high-performance street car that also sees the track, our Terra Track Days (TR) compound is the correct choice.

No, this is not considered a defect. High-performance and racing friction materials, like those in our TR and RC pads, often produce more noise (including squeal) and dust than standard OEM pads. This is a normal characteristic of the product and not a sign of a manufacturing defect.

No. Like noise, brake dust is a normal characteristic of high-performance friction materials and is not considered a defect. The compounds that provide superior high-temperature stopping power are designed to wear as they work, which generates dust.

The bed-in (or 'burnishing') process is mandatory for all performance brake pads. This process is essential to mate the new pad material to the brake disc surface. It creates an even 'transfer layer' of friction material on the disc, which is critical for ensuring consistent, powerful, and predictable braking performance. Failing to bed-in your pads correctly can result in reduced braking efficiency and potential damage.

The procedure depends on the pad and its use.

• For Terra Race (RC) or TR pads (Track Use Only): This must be done in a safe, controlled environment like a race track.
  1. Initial Heating: Perform ~20 stops from medium speed with low to moderate pressure to gradually introduce heat.
  2. Hard Braking: Immediately follow with 10 faster, harder stops to bring the system to its optimal operating temperature.
  3. Cooling: Drive for several minutes with minimal brake use to cool the system completely. Do not park the vehicle with the brake pedal or handbrake applied while the brakes are hot.
  4. Final Conditioning: Once cool, perform another 10 low-intensity stops to stabilize the transfer layer.
• For Terra Track Days (TR) pads (Road Use):
  1. On New or Resurfaced Discs: Drive with gentle brake applications for the first 30-50 km (approx. 20-30 miles). Avoid heavy or emergency braking.
  2. On Used (Existing) Discs: The gentle run-in period must be extended to allow the new pads to conform to the old disc's wear pattern. Extend this gentle driving period for at least 500 km (approx. 300 miles).

No, this is perfectly normal during the hard braking phase of the track bed-in. This is called the 'green-fade' stage, where the resins and binding agents in the pad material are curing. This smoke and odor will stop after a short period.

For optimal results, we always recommend that new pads be installed on new or freshly machined (resurfaced) discs. If you are re-using discs, you must inspect them thoroughly for deep grooves, cracks, or a 'lip' on the outer edge. Most importantly, ensure the discs are above the manufacturer's specified minimum thickness. Installing new pads on heavily worn or warped discs is not covered by warranty.

To prevent brake fade, it is strongly recommended to use a high-performance brake fluid with a high boiling point. For any competition or track use, we advise completely replacing the brake fluid before each event, using fresh fluid from a new, sealed container. After installing pads, you must bleed the system thoroughly to remove all air, which can cause a 'spongy' pedal and severely compromise braking.

Terra Performance warrants its brake pads to the original retail purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase or 20,000 kilometers (12,500 miles), whichever comes first. You must provide a valid proof of purchase from an authorized dealer.

The warranty covers true manufacturing defects, such as:

• Separation (delamination) of the friction material from the backing plate.
• Cracks or structural failure of the backing plate itself under normal use.

Our Limited Warranty is the sole warranty for our products and DOES NOT cover:

• Motorsport Use: ANY AND ALL products used for racing, competition, or timed events (like autocross) are sold "AS IS" and WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY. This exclusion specifically applies to our Terra Performance RACE (RC) product line.
• Normal Wear and Tear: Brake pads are consumable items designed to wear with use. The natural depletion of the friction material is not a defect.
• Noise and Dust: As mentioned above, these are normal characteristics of performance pads, not defects.
• Improper Installation: Any product installed incorrectly or modified.
• Use with Worn Components: Using pads with heavily worn or warped brake discs or faulty calipers.
• Misuse or Accidents: Damage from accidents, negligence, or driver error.
• Commercial or Fleet Use.
• Consequential Damages: We are not liable for labor costs, loss of vehicle use, or damage to other parts.

To initiate a claim, you (the original purchaser) must:

1. Contact Terra Performance customer service or the authorized dealer where you bought the product.
2. Provide a clear and valid proof of purchase (original receipt).
3. Provide a detailed description of the problem, along with clear photos or video evidence.
4. We may require the product to be returned for inspection at your expense. If the claim is found to be valid, we will reimburse reasonable shipping costs.