Many customers ask only one question when contacting us: "How many hours of salt spray resistance do your anti-corrosion brake discs have?" Yet few of them understand the differences between the two main types of coatings, and ordering the wrong one can easily lead to inventory buildup. The two most commonly used anti-corrosion solutions in our shipments are electro-galvanized coating and the Geomet chromium-free coating; these two options differ significantly in terms of cost, salt spray resistance, and the regulatory requirements in various regions.
The electro-galvanized coating is the most widely used solution on the market, and it constitutes the main part of our standard inventory. It features a mature manufacturing process and stable adhesion, with a salt spray resistance of up to 72 hours without the appearance of rust. Its lower cost makes it suitable for markets in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, where budget constraints and less stringent regulations apply. However, it has its drawbacks: after repeated braking at high temperatures, the coating near the friction surface tends to age and turn white. In some European regions, there are stricter regulations regarding chromium-containing coatings, and some local buyers may refuse to accept such products.
The Geomet chromium-free zinc-aluminum coating was developed specifically for the European market. It contains no hexavalent chromium, which meets the EU's REACH regulations and avoids issues at customs clearance. This coating offers higher salt spray resistance – some upgraded versions can withstand thousands of hours of salt spray testing – and it also has better thermal stability, meaning it doesn't peel or fade under repeated braking at high temperatures. It is thus ideal for use in northern Europe, where roads are salted regularly during winter. The downside is that its production cost is higher, resulting in a higher final price; it's more suitable for use in high-end repair shops and fleet orders rather than for low-cost, individual purchases.
When dealing with customers who need accessories for UAZ, GAZ, and Dacia vehicles, both types of coatings are in demand. For ordinary replacement parts sold through bulk distribution, electro-galvanized coatings are usually chosen. For deliveries to local professional fleets and chain repair shops that require compliant products with warranty coverage, the Geomet coating is preferred. It's important to note that, regardless of the coating type, the friction surface itself does not have any coating applied; many customers mistakenly assume that the entire disc is rust-resistant, which is a common misconception.
Our factory operates two production lines for these coatings, and both versions can be manufactured according to OE standards. We also offer custom packaging for clients. The products are packed at our factory in Shandong, using VCI anti-rust films and protective padding to prevent scratches on the coating surface caused by stacking on wooden pallets – as coatings are particularly vulnerable to damage during transportation, and scratches can become sites of rust formation. This is an area we pay close attention to during packaging. Once an order is confirmed, the products are shipped from Qingdao Port. Inventory items can be delivered within the agreed time frame, and we provide a 48-hour response time for RMA requests; warranty terms are also communicated to distributors.
For auto parts distributors, it's not necessary to pursue the highest possible salt spray resistance values. It's more prudent to choose coatings that meet the regulatory requirements of the target market and the budget constraints of end customers. If you want to determine the appropriate coating solutions for the vehicles in your target markets, you can send us your list of OE products, and we'll help you identify the suitable versions.
