Ceramic brake pad source: Brake Pads Manufacturers

Given a chance to choose between ceramic brake pad vs metallic brake pad, which one will you choose? These are two brake pads that are made from different types of material. Although they both perform the same function, their physical difference matters a lot. In this article, we are going to look at the key differences between ceramic vs metallic brake pads.

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the brake pads for your vehicle, there is one thing that you will always give your full attention.

That is the material that was used in making the brake pads.

Different brake pads are made from different materials.

The most common material include:

-Ceramic

-Metallic brake pads

-Organic brake pads

-Semi metallic brake pads

-Carbon brake pads

All these materials have different properties.

Although you may be forced to choose between all these types of brake pads, our focus will be on ceramic vs metallic brake pads.

What is Ceramic Brake Pad?

Image of ceramic brake pad source AutoAnything

Ceramic brake pads are usually made from the ceramic that is used in making utensils.

The main difference is this ceramic is enhanced copper fibers which are deeply embedded in them for the purpose of providing extra strength.

The copper fibers also enhance the heat conductivity while at the same time increasing the frictional force of the brake pads.

Ceramic brake pads were introduced in the market in the 1980s.

Their popularity has been on a steady rise since then.

Advantages of Ceramic Brake Pads

For the purpose of comparison, let’s look at the advantages that ceramic brake pads have over the metallic brake pads:

-Noise Level: Ceramic brake pads are quieter than the metallic brake pads.

They produce very minimum noise every time that you apply the brakes.

-Dust: Ceramic brake pads produce very little dust than both the metallic and organic brake pads.

In other words,l they leave your wheels clean.

This explains why they are categorized under the low dust brake pads.

-Durable: Ceramic brake pads tend to last longer than the metallic brake pads.

Their durability is mainly because of the physical characteristic of the ceramic material.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why ceramic brake pads are usually referred to as lifetime brake pads.

-Reaction to temperature and driving condition: The performance of ceramic brake pads is constant in different temperatures and driving conditions.

They are all-round brake pads.

Cons of Ceramic Brake Pads

Given the numerous advantages of ceramic brake pads, we cannot say that they are perfect.

Especially when we compare them to the metallic brake pads.

So, what are these cons of ceramic brake pads?

-Expensive: In terms of cost, you will spend more money to buy the ceramic brake pads than what you will spend on the metallic brake pads.

Ideally, ceramic brake pads are the most expensive types of brake pads in the market.

-Wears down the brake rotors: Although ceramic brake pads tend to last for long, they have detrimental effects on the brake rotor.

They cause more wear and tear on the brake rotor.

-Not ideal for extreme driving conditions: Ceramic brake pads are not ideal for extreme driving conditions such as heavy truck towing.

Metallic Brake Pads

Metallic brake pad source AutoAnything

After looking at different aspects of the ceramic brake pads, it is high time that we also view the metallic brake pads.

What are metallic brake pads?

As the name suggests, these are types of brake pads that are mainly made from metals.

In most cases, a typical metallic brake pad comprises of different metal alloys such as steel, copper, iron, among others.

The metal component in these brake pads takes a percentage of between 30% and 70%.

Apart from metals, metallic brake pads have other components such as graphite lubricants.

It may also contain a couple of other fillers for the purpose of enhancing its strength and density.

The properties of metallic brake pads tend to vary depending on the type and percentage of the metallic compounds in them.

So, you should be keen on the individual properties of a metallic brake pad rather than just generalizing them.

Pros of Metallic Brake Pads

Are metallic brake pads better than the ceramic brake pads?

To conclude this, here are the main advantages of the metallic brake pads.

-Can withstand more heat: The fact that metal is a good conductor of heat means that metallic brake pads are good when it comes to handling heat.

They can take more heat while at the same time keep the brake system cool.

-Wide range of application. As we have already stated, different metals have different properties.

This means that metallic brake pads can be used in different driving conditions.

-Relatively cheaper: In terms of cost, metallic brake pads are comparatively cheaper than the ceramic brake pads.

If you are looking for cheap brake pads and discs, just go for the semi metallic brake pads.

-Easier on the brake rotor: One of the disadvantages of the ceramic brake pads is they cause the brake rotor to wear faster.

When it comes to the metallic brake pads, the situation is the complete opposite.

They exert less pressure on the brake rotors.

Cons of Metallic Brake Pads


Metallci brake pad source PIXABAY

Even with the above advantages, metallic brake pads are not 100% perfect.

They also have some serious flaws.

Here are some of the disadvantages of the metallic brake pads.

-Noisy: Metallic brake pads are quite noisier than the ceramic brake pads.

Despite being supercheap brake pads, you will have to endure the insane noise levels.

-Dusty: Metallic brake pads tend to produce more dust even than the cheap ceramic brake pads.

At the end of the day, you are likely to remain with dusty tires when using metallic brake pads.

-Less durable: Unlike the ceramic brake pads which are considered lifetime brake pads, the metallic ones have a shorter lifespan.

You will have to replace them after a very short time than the ceramic brake pads.

Which Brake Pad Should I Choose Between Ceramic vs Metallic Brake Pad?

At the day, you only need to choose one type of brake pad between the ceramic and metallic brake pads.

Which one should you buy?

The final choice of brake pads depends on several factors.

Some of them include your type of vehicle, driving style, and driving conditions.

Metallic brake pads are ideal for extreme driving conditions such as towing vehicles and racing cars.

On the other hand, ceramic brake pads are ideal for daily urban commuting.

Whether you are buying OEM brake pads or aftermarket brake pads, it is important that you take these factors into consideration

Conclusion

I hope that from this article, you can now differentiate between ceramic brake pads and metallic brake pads.

You are now in a good position to buy the right brake pads for your vehicle.

What remains now is looking for the right brake pad manufacturer and completing the purchase.

Read More on Ceramic VS Metallic Brake Pads

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