Ceramic Vs. Metallic Pads: Which Is Best?

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Choosing the right brake pads for your car is more than just selecting the ones that fit into your budget. There are different advantages and disadvantages to each type of pads that are available. It is important that you carefully weigh those differences before making your final decision. To help with your decision, here are the pros and cons of ceramic and metallic brake pads.

Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads are considered the newer type of pads available. They are composed of ceramics and copper fibers that are used to help slow your car when you press the brake pedal. One of the main benefits of ceramic pads are that they are quieter than other types of pads. The tend to lead to a smoother stop than other pads. Other advantages include:

• Less dust. As your brakes wear down, dust will start to appear on the rims of your tires. Ceramic pads have less dust because of their components.​
• Lasts longer. Ceramic brakes are generally more durable than other types of brakes. This translates to a longer lifespan for your brakes.
• Better handling of extreme temperatures. There is a lot of heat that is generated by your brakes. When combined with outside temperatures, your brake pads can start to slip or not respond as well. Ceramics handle extreme temperatures well, which means better responses than other pads.

There are some downsides to ceramic pads though. The biggest is the cost. Ceramic pads do cost more than metallic pads. However, the pads last longer, which makes the added expense worth it for many car owners.

Metallic Brake Pads

Metallic pads are primarily made of metallic fibers. It is because of this, they are one of the more cheaper options for brakes pads. In addition to saving on the cost of the pads, other benefits include:

• Good for in-town travel. Metallic pads respond better to the frequent stopping and starting associated with driving in-town.​
• Best in cold weather. Metallic pads are consistent when it comes to temperatures. If you live in an especially cold area, the pads will help your car to maintain its grip on the road.
• Less abrasion. Ceramic pads tend to cause more abrasion to the rotors when you brake. By contrast, the metallic pads cause less abrasion.

One of the biggest disadvantages to the metallic brake pads is that they are noisier and brake less smoothly.

Your mechanic can help you determine which type of brake pads will work best for your car and budget when you go in for brake service.

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1 June 2015