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Over the years, a vehicle's brake pads will slowly wear down and eventually need to be replaced. This leads to countless consumers venturing to their nearest auto parts store each year in search of replacement brake pads.
While many would consider choosing a set of brake pads for their vehicle to be a fairly simple task, many product options do exist.
Brake pads are available in several different material compositions, all of which have their own pros and cons, as well as functional applications.
Read on to learn more about the different types of brake pads currently available, and which brake pad material is best for your particular driving style.
Brake pads are best described by three separate subsets; semi-metallic, ceramic and organic. Each of these three subsets has its own unique properties that provide significant value to the individual application they are intended for.
Semi-metallic brake pads are generally considered superior to any other type of brake pad currently available in terms of absolute braking power. As their name implies, semi-metallic brake pads use a significant amount of metal in their composition.
While the exact amount varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, metallic brake pads are typically composed of 35-65% metal. The exact metals used in the construction of semi-metallic brake pads also vary.
However, some of the most common materials include copper, steel and iron. Semi-metallic brake pads also use fillers, friction modifiers and graphite lubricants in their construction.
While semi-metallic brake pads are known for their unparalleled braking ability, brake pads of this nature are prone to brake noise, as well as high levels of brake dust. Semi-metallic brake pads also tend to be rougher on the brake disc than ceramic and organic brake pads.
● Unmatched stopping power
● Excellent high temperature performance
● Superior cold bite
● Low compression rate
● High resistance to brake fade
● Higher operating noise
● Higher brake dust generation
● Harder brake discs
● More expensive than organic alternatives
Organic brake pads have been the backbone of automotive brake production for decades. Originally designed as a mass replacement for asbestos brake pads, brake pads of this nature have been phased out due to environmental and health related issues.
Many chemicals and substances are used in the production of organic brake pads. Some of the most common of these materials include Kevlar, rubber, fiber and carbon, which are bound together in a durable resin.
Today, more than 70 percent of new vehicles are equipped with organic brake pads. The composition of these brake pads also tends to be the most economical to purchase. This is due in large part to the relative abundance of materials used in their manufacture.
● Excellent daily driving performance
● Naturally quiet in operation
● Produces less dust than semi-metallic alternatives
● Provides sufficient cold bite
● Affordable
● wears out faster than other pad types
● Relatively limited operating temperature range
● Higher compression rate than other pad types
● Not suitable for harsh driving environments
Ceramic brake pads are relatively new compared to brakes with semi-metallic or organic components. This type of brake pad was first introduced in the 1980s and has been growing steadily since then.
Brake pads of this composition are known for their lack of operating noise and minimal general brake dust generation. Ceramic brake pads are also easier on the rotor than semi-metallic pads, but are more wear resistant than organic pads.
While ceramic brake pads offer many advantages, they also typically have a higher selling price than semi-metallic or organic brake pads. Drivers can usually expect to pay almost twice the price of organic brake pads for a quality set of ceramic pads.
● Provides excellent braking power
● Produce very little noise
● Does not produce excessive brake dust
● Consistent over a wide range of conditions
● Brake discs are harsher than organic brake pads
● Not the best choice for very cold climates
● Not suitable for racing or extreme load use
● More expensive than alternative pad types
When it's time to replace brake pads, drivers often question whether to choose a set of direct OEM replacement pads or a suitable aftermarket alternative. In most cases, this decision comes down to a matter of personal preference and driving style.
OEM brake pads are selected by their manufacturer for use on specific vehicles to provide acceptable performance while minimizing noise and brake dust generation. However, pads of this nature are rarely selected because of their longevity or ability to perform under extreme conditions.
On the other hand, the vast majority of aftermarket brake pads are carefully engineered to provide superior braking power, unmatched responsiveness and better protection against brake fade. However, these pads are also prone to higher levels of brake dust and operational noise.
In addition, aftermarket brake pads tend to wear better, often causing rotors to wear out faster than with OEM pads.
Each type of brake pad has a specific purpose for which it is best suited. By understanding the value of each brake pad, you can better make an informed buying decision.
When just driving to work and back or to the grocery store, organic brake pads are usually the best choice. These pads provide plenty of braking power in the vast majority of situations and operate largely without brake dust and running noise.
Organic brake pads can also be purchased at an economical price compared to ceramic or semi-metallic brake pads. In everyday driving scenarios, many consumers are unlikely to notice a way to improve performance with more expensive semi-metallic pads.
Runner-up: Ceramic brake pads - Or, if drivers want to extend the life of their pads, ceramic pads can be used in everyday driving scenarios. This can be beneficial for those who make long daily commutes to work.
Ceramic brake pads often prove to be a good choice when people expect to encounter more demanding conditions on their daily routes. Ceramic pads wear slower than organic pads while providing excellent stopping power.
Brake pads of this nature also tend to operate with relatively no audible noise and produce brake dust that rarely sticks to the wheels or is visually obvious. This often makes ceramic brake pads a wise choice for those winding country roads that require frequent braking.
Runner-up: Semi-metallic Brake Pads - If you commute to work in the mountains and have to brake repeatedly, semi-metallic brake pads are another excellent choice. Semi-metallic brake pads have a higher thermal threshold, making them better able to handle demanding periods of braking operation.
On the track, there is truly no substitute for using a quality set of semi-metallic brake pads. Semi-metallic pads offer excellent braking power and excellent cold bite, as well as unmatched handling characteristics in the face of tremendous heat.
Semi-metallic pads also have a low compression threshold, providing the driver with a firm, consistent brake pedal feel.
Whether you're taking part in your first autocross, track day or a lap of the Nürburgring, most people highly appreciate this level of consistency when you're on the track at speed.
Runner-up: None - Neither organic nor ceramic brake pads have sufficient heat dissipation qualities for track use. When heated to extreme levels, both are prone to brake fade, which can eventually become a safety issue.
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