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April 15, 2022In the market for new brake pads? It can be confusing to decide what you need with the few different types on the market so we will explain each one and suggest when you may need it.
Without further ado, here are the different types of brake pads to consider when replacing yours.
Ceramic brake pads
Ceramic brake pads are great for casual city driving, and they are quiet and not very dusty. However, they are more expensive than semi-metallic brake pads and not great for aggressive driving conditions or colder climates.
Semi-metallic brake pads
Semi-metallic brake pads are often called metallic brake pads too. They are versatile, so you can take laps at the racetrack or commute around the city. Semi-metallic brake pads are great in all climates but they are louder and dustier than ceramic brake pads.
Organic brake pads: low-metallic and non-asbestos organic
While the ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads are most common, there is also a third and fourth type - organic or non-asbestos brake pads. Low-metallic brake pads contain less metal than semi-metallic brake pads but they are still very loud and noisy, mainly maintaining the same characteristics as their more metallic counterpart. Fully non-asbestos organic brake pads, on the other hand, contain no metal at all - they are made from fibreglass, rubber, and other alternative materials. A lot of cars come from the factory with organic brake pads and while they do the job for street driving, they still produce a lot of dust, wear fast, and don’t offer strong braking performance for SUVs or higher speeds.
How to choose brake pads
Choosing your perfect brake pad depends on your budget, your concern for your entire braking system, and most importantly, your lifestyle and driving preferences.
Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic vs. Organic Brake Pads
| Ceramic brake pads | Semi-metallic brake pads | Organic brake pads | |
| Best for | Casual city driving | Versatile driving, great for both city driving and racetrack | Casual city driving |
| Temperature threshold | Not suited for excessive braking with high heat | Can withstand high temperatures | Not suitable for heavier vehicles or high heat applications like racing |
| Weather conditions | Not great in colder climates but more reliable than organic brake pads | Perfect in all climates, can withstand really cold temperatures | Don’t perform well in extreme temperatures |
| Wear level | Long lifespan, don’t produce much dust | Abrasive and very dusty, will wear out your rotors quicker | Wear out fast, but less dusty than semi-metallic and don’t damage the rotors as much |
| Noise | Very Quiet | Loud | Quiet |
| Cost | Most expensive | Average | Least expensive |
Here is how to choose your best brake pad option: if you live in an extreme climate and drive aggressively, consider semi-metallic brake pads. If you are a casual driver in a mild climate and on a budget, stick with organic brake pads. If you want reliable performance and a quiet noise level but at a higher price, ceramics will last you a long time.
You can purchase a wide variety of ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads on our website, and our search function will help ensure you get the right size too.
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