Ceramic Brake Pads vs Semi Metallic?
Which should you be Using?
When it comes to parts, brakes have got to be among the most important on your car. They are responsible for your ability to slow down and stop. They are an extension of your ability to react, and if they can’t perform you and your loved ones could be put in danger.
That is why it is very important to know what kind of brakes your Auto Shop uses when replacing the brakes on your car.
I’m sure you are asking “what do you mean by what kind of brakes.” We mean there are several kinds, the two most common being Ceramic and Semi Metallic.
So, which is better? Here are the pros and cons of each.
Semi Metallic Brake Pads are made with anywhere between 30-70% of metal. Because of this, and the fact that they use abrasive friction to slow your vehicle, they can cause the parts in your Brake System, like the Brake Rotors and Calipers, to wear out faster.
Semi Metallic brake pads also create a noisier ride because of the metal on metal contact between your Brake Pads and Rotors. This can bother some drivers that like a quieter ride, and it can fool others that who are used to that Squealing Sound, akin to nails on a chalkboard, that’s produced when they get too worn down.
A Plus to Semi Metallic Brake Pads is that they conduct heat very well. This can make them ideal for performance vehicles or for driving in extremely hot temperatures.
Ceramic Brake Pads are made from similar materials as those used to make ceramic pots and plates, but they are much denser and more durable. They also have copper fibers embedded within them which allows them to conduct heat better.
About 30% of all mechanics use Ceramic Brake Pads when replacing Brakes, and there are a number of reasons why.
Ceramic Brake Pads offer the quietest ride of any other type of Brake Pad. They also produce a lot less Brake Dust due to creating adherent friction as opposed to the abrasive friction that Semi Metallic Brakes use. Due to this, Ceramic Brake Pads break down slowly, lasting longer than Semi Metallic Pads.
Ceramic Brake Pads are also more reliable under a larger range of temperatures and conditions, which makes them an ideal replacement. Ceramic Brake Pads are better able to displace heat caused by friction. Less heat equals less stress on your Rotors and Calipers which will ultimately extend their life.
The one drawback to Ceramic Pads is that they tend to cost slightly more. However, given that they tend to last longer than Semi Metallic Pads, you will save more in the long run. This is because they are specifically engineered to perform under a wide range of conditions, while also providing you with a much quieter ride.
When it comes right down to it, Ceramic Pads are the best option to use when replacing the Brake Pads on your vehicle. That is unless you live in a desert or drive like a NASCAR star. However, if you drive like the average person commuting from point A to point B, you should be in great shape with a set of Ceramic Brake Pads.
If you think you may need to replace your Brakes, then make sure to call a reputable Automotive Repair Shop like Pugh’s Service Automotive to replace them. If you would like to schedule an appointment, click here!