Ceramic vs. Metallic Brake Pads: A Comparison
We all rely on our cars to take us everywhere we want to go in a day, so it’s important to make sure we can safely stop along the way. One key component to doing that is your braking system. Many modern cars have a type called disc brakes, while others have drum brakes. While you may not know exactly how they work, you’ve likely heard of some key parts of a disc brake system, such as rotors, calipers, and pads. These are most commonly referred to as “wear parts,” since they tend to wear out and need replacement as you drive your vehicle.
Each part does something different, but let’s focus on brake pads. These components are often small enough to fit in your hand. They work by applying friction to your brake rotors which cause your wheel to slow or stop when you press the brake pedal.
There are three common types of brake pads, largely named for their source material: organic (also called non-asbestos organic), semi-metallic, or ceramic. Many vehicles are outfitted with organic brake pads by the OEM from the factory. These are made from a variety of substances but can include rubber or Kevlar. When it’s time to replace them, customers will most often upgrade to ceramic or semi-metallic. What’s the difference and why would you pick one or the other? Let’s dig in!
Ceramic Brake Pads: Advantages and Disadvantages
When you hear the word ceramic, you likely think of a fragile dinner plate —not the ideal material for a component that needs to be heavy-duty in your vehicle. Ceramic brake pads, however, are surprisingly strong! They are made of ceramic fibers bonded together with other materials, such as copper fibers, and are heat resistant due to the superior heat dissipation of these friction materials.
They may be the right choice for your vehicle because they offer some advantages over semi-metallic brake pads:
Less brake dust means your wheels will stay visibly cleaner
More consistent performance gives you dependability in most driving conditions
Ceramic material means durability — your brake pads will have a longer lifespan
The softer pad surface does not cause as much wear and tear or damage to brake rotors
The softer surface also means you’ll experience a quieter ride
There are some trade-offs, however:
Higher cost means you may pay a little more up-front
Low performance in extreme cold temperatures
Semi Metallic Brake pads: Advantages and Disadvantages
Semi-metallic brake pads are formulated from a variety of metals, including iron, copper, steel, and more, as well as other fillers, including asbestos or graphite. They are an economical choice and can be a great option for most drivers. They have similar stopping and dust-generating characteristics to organic brake pads, but semi-metallic brake pads have substantially longer durability because of the metal content in the brake pad material.
They may be the best brake pads for your car or truck due to these advantages over ceramic brakes:
Budget-friendly since they cost less up-front
Stopping power makes them the best option for high-performance vehicles
Availability — most parts stores carry a wide variety of semi-metallic pads and will likely have a set that fits your vehicle
With that said, there are some downsides to semi-metallic brake pads:
A more sturdy surface means a less quiet ride
More brake dust, so you may need to clean your wheels more often
Being composed of steel, iron, copper and other metals means they wear out more often than ceramic and can also cause more wear on your brake rotors
Are Ceramic or Semi-metallic Brake Pads Better For My Car?
The best brake pads for your car, truck, van, or SUV largely depend on the climate that you live in, as well as the nature of your driving. If you commute back and forth in a fairly stable climate without large temperature swings or harsh winters, ceramic brake pads will last you a very long time and provide you with exceptional braking performance.
If you live somewhere that gets very cold during the winter, you have a long commute or prefer a more spirited driving style, semi-metallic brake pads will provide the performance you want in a wider variety of driving and weather conditions.
You may also consider aesthetics as well. Some drivers prefer to have a clean look all the time, with less detailing required. This is especially true for vehicles with wheels that are harder to clean, such as alloys. For these drivers, ceramic may be the best type of pad, as they generate less dust.
Mavis Offers Superior Brake Replacement Services
When it comes to your automotive needs, we want Mavis to be first on your list. Our trusted team of experts can get you back on the road and ready for whatever comes with our brake maintenance and brake repair services.
If it’s time for your next set of brake pads or you’re not sure whether to choose semi-metallic or ceramic brakes, visit your local Mavis store for more info, have your brakes checked by one of our expert professionals, or schedule your appointment. For your convenience, you can also make an appointment on our website.