Ceramic vs. Semi-metallic Brake Pads, What's the Difference?

Your braking system is probably the most critical safety mechanism in your vehicle. But while you rely on your brakes every day to help you get from point A to point B safely, you may not think about what actually happens when you step on the brake pedal. 

Here's how the system basically works: When you press the brake pedal, your car pushes pressurized fluid through its brake lines into the calipers on each wheel, where the brake pads are located. The brake fluid pushes the pads into the disc rotors in each wheel, slowing them down and gradually bringing your wheels to a stop. 

In other words, your braking system converts your car's kinetic energy into heat through the friction applied by the brake pads. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this key component of your braking system and the pros and cons of each type - such as ceramic versus semi-metallic pads - to help you determine which is best for your vehicle and driving style.

FMSI D1345 Brake Pads 04465-0W070 for Nissan

Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads are made from a material very similar to the type of ceramic used to make pottery and discs. However, ceramic brake pad material is denser and more durable. Ceramic brake pads are also embedded with fine copper fibers to help increase their friction and thermal conductivity.

Since their development in the mid-1980s, ceramic brake pads have become increasingly popular for the following reasons.

● Temperature and driving conditions: Ceramic brake pads are more reliable in a wider range of temperatures and driving conditions than organic brake pads.

● Noise level: Ceramic brake pads are very quiet and produce little to no additional sound when braking.

● Wear Residue: Ceramic brake pads tend to produce less dust and other particles as they wear compared to organic pads.

However, ceramic brake pads do have some limitations. The first is their cost: Due to their high manufacturing costs, ceramic brake pads tend to be the most expensive of all brake pad types. In addition, because neither ceramic nor copper can absorb as much heat as other types of materials, more of the heat generated by braking will pass through the pads and into the rest of the brake system. This can lead to more wear and tear on other brake components. Finally, ceramic brake pads are not considered to be the best choice for extreme driving conditions. If you are facing very cold weather or an upcoming race and you are choosing between ceramic and semi-metallic pads, then you will want to use metal pads.

FMSI D1345 Brake Pads 04465-0W070 for Nissan

Semi-Metal Brake Pads

The final type of brake pad is the semi-metallic brake pad. Semi-metallic brake pads differ from full metal pads in that they use a filler to create the brake pad compound, rather than using 100% metal. Full metal brake pads are typically used for really extreme braking requirements

Semi-metallic brake pads contain between 30% and 70% metal, including copper, iron, steel and other composite alloys. These different metals are combined with graphite lubricants and other fillers to complete the brake pads. The available metal brake pad compounds vary, from daily commuting to track racing, and each type has its own advantages.

For many drivers, especially those who value high performance, the choice between ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads is an easy one. Performance drivers tend to prefer metal brake pads because they offer better braking performance over a more comprehensive range of temperatures and conditions. Because metal is a good conductor of heat, metal brake pads tend to withstand more heat while helping the braking system cool down more quickly. They also don't compress as much as organic brakes, which means less pressure needs to be applied to the brake pedal to affect braking ability.

However, metal brake pads have some disadvantages compared to ceramic and organic brake pads. Metal brake pads tend to be noisier than ceramic or organic pads, resulting in a louder ride. Metal pads can also put more stress on the braking system, increasing strain and wear on the brake discs. In terms of price, metal brake pads tend to fall somewhere between organic and ceramic brake pads. They also tend to produce more brake dust than the other two varieties.

Organic Brake Pads

The brake pads in disc brakes were originally made from asbestos, a heat-absorbing material ideal for brake pad wear. However, asbestos was found to be a potent carcinogen, and long-term exposure to asbestos can cause cancer. As these asbestos-based brake pads wore out, they would release asbestos into the air, allowing drivers to unknowingly inhale it. Manufacturers realized that asbestos was not a safe compound for use in braking systems. As a result, organic brake pads - or non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake pads - were created to fill this void.

Organic brake pads are standard on about 67 percent of new vehicles sold in the United States and are made from a mixture of materials such as fiber and rubber, carbon compounds, glass or fiberglass and KevlarⓇ, and are bonded together with resin. They produce less dust and are less expensive than other types of brake pads, such as metal brake pads.

Unlike high-performance brake pads, which are primarily used in heavy-duty and high-performance vehicles, organic brake pads produce moderate friction and do not generate much heat, making them suitable for drivers who use their cars for daily driving and commuting. Organic brake pads also tend to be quiet and don't put too much pressure on the brake discs, which is an advantage because if the discs are damaged, they are often expensive to repair or replace.

However, organic brake pads do have some disadvantages when compared to other types of brake pads. Organic brake pads tend to wear out more quickly due to their composite nature, which means they may need to be replaced more frequently. They also tend to work best in a smaller temperature range. In extreme weather or when pushed too hard and overheated, they don't perform as well as semi-metallic brake pads. Organic brake pads also have a higher compressibility, which means the driver must apply more force to the brake pedal to engage them.

Ceramic vs. metal vs. organic brake pads: Which one is right for you?

So between ceramic, semi-metallic and organic brake pads, which is the best choice for you? It depends on your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations as well as your expectations for your vehicle and your driving style. 

If you have a high performance sports car, or at least drive your car like one, you are better off with semi-metallic brake pads. On the other hand, if you do a lot of city commuting, you may find that solid ceramic brake pads are a better choice. If you don't put many miles on your vehicle, then organic brake pads may be the best, lower-cost option for your driving habits.

No matter which type you choose, it is important to check your brakes and replace your brake pads regularly. You know they need to be replaced when you hear the metal "shank foot" at the bottom of the brake pad squeal as it makes contact with the rotor. All types of brake pads have a shank foot built in as an indicator of wear; if you hear it, don't wait too long to buy new percussion pads. At that point, the choice between ceramic and metal pads - or organic pads for a price-friendly option - is up to you.