Ceramic vs. semi-metallic brake pads: Which type works best? Which are more expensive, and which last the longest? If fitting your vehicle with new brake pads has opened up a confusing debate, we're here to settle the score. Insider tip: Ceramic brake pads are the clear winner!
Our experts at BrakeTimeUSA live and breathe brake systems, and our primary goal – pun very much intended – is to steer drivers in the right direction so they can find the best types of brake pads for their driving style and vehicle. Let's dive in!
Choose the best brake pads for your make and model with this detailed comparison between ceramic vs. semi-metallic brake pads, where we dig into the key differences between each type of pad, show you how to choose the right brake pads, and outline the pros and cons of semi-metallic vs. ceramic brake pads so you'll know exactly what you're getting.
Key Differences Between Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
- Ceramic brake pads are the superior performance brake pad choice thanks to their near-silent braking, high-temperature resistance, and ability to produce much cleaner stopping with fewer dust particles
- Semi-metallic pads are less expensive but also less reliable types of performance brake pads that are noisier and dustier than ceramic pads
- Ceramic brake pads are also very gentle on a vehicle's entire braking system
- Semi-metallic pads tend to cause higher levels of brake system wear and tear
Types of Performance Brake Pads: Organic vs. Semi-Metallic vs. Ceramic
Let's demystify the much-googled question of "What are the different types of brake pads?" and give you the answers you need. There are three types of brake pads in the modern auto industry: organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic.
Each style is capable of stopping your vehicle and meets the federal government's performance standards. We're focusing on the top two options, ceramic brake pads vs. semi-metallic, because organic brake pads typically wear out more quickly, take more effort from the driver to engage, and can't handle extremely hot or cold temperatures.
- Semi-metallic brake pads: Semi-metallic pads are types of performance brake pads made from a combination of various metals, like copper, steel, iron, and other composite alloys, plus graphite lubricant and filler.
- Ceramic brake pads: These are the most dense and durable option, thanks to their embedded fine copper, alumina, and other mineral fibers that increase their friction, heat conduction, and resilience.
Are Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads Both Good Choices?
Although ceramic vs. semi-metallic brake pads are both types of performance brake pads, ceramic options tend to be the better option. You can choose to fit your vehicle with semi-metallic because of their slightly lower price point, but you'll also be driving home with louder, dustier, and harsher brake pads that could cause more damage to your brake rotors than a ceramic set.
In case you're worried that we're a bit biased in our recommendation because we carry BrakeTimeUSA ceramic brake pads, let's take a closer look at how you can make your own decision between ceramic vs. semi-metallic brake pads, complete with pro and con lists!
How to Choose Between Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Selecting the best brake pads for your vehicle depends on a few critical factors: your automaker's recommendations, your driving style, and typical weather conditions. Most drivers prefer to narrow their choices to ceramic vs. semi-metallic brake pads because organic options may not last as long.
Rather than continue to question, "Are ceramic brake pads good?" and "How can I choose between carbon fiber ceramic brake pads vs. semi-metallic?" the BrakeTimeUSA team put together this quick pro and con list for each pad type. And, if you have lingering questions about anything brake-related, contact us for support.
Pros and Cons of Ceramic Brake Pads
- Extremely quiet
- Highly wear-and-tear resistant
- Produce less dust than semi-metallic pads
- Handle a wide range of hot and cold temperatures
- Higher in cost
Pros and Cons of Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
- Can withstand high heat
- Require less pressure to function
- Noisy performance
- Add stress and wear to brake rotors
- Produce excess brake dust
Shop Brake Pads, Kits, Rotors and More at BrakeTimeUSA
BrakeTimeUSA is your reliable online auto parts dealer. Our catalog is extensive, you can shop our website by year, make, and model, and we offer competitive pricing. Shop everything from Dash4 performance brake kits to high-quality ceramic brake pads, then check out with just a few clicks.
We ship parts directly to your home, where you can learn how to change your brakes and rotors yourself or ask a professional for help. Either way, you're getting quality brake parts that can help keep you safe and confident on the road.
