There are a few different types of brake pads, for example, organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic, but the most commonly used brake pads are semi-metallic brake pads and ceramic brake pads.
Do You Know the Difference Between Semi-Metallic vs Ceramic Brake Pads?
Brakes, along with seatbelts, are the single-handedly most important safety feature of our vehicles. That’s why it’s so important to know the difference between brake pad options so you can choose which would be the best fit for you and your vehicle.
There are many aspects of vehicles that vary in function depending on the vehicle, and engine but one function that doesn’t change in every vehicle is the braking process. The braking process starts when you press down on the brake pedal, and your car depresses a piston in the master cylinder, forcing fluid along the brake line through to calipers to each wheel, filling them, forcing the pistons out to apply the brake pads and brakes, allowing the vehicle to stop.
Let’s Define Brake Pads
According to Google, “Brake pads are a component of disc brakes used in automotive and other applications. They are composed of steel backing plates with friction material bound to the surface that faces the disc brake rotor.”
In other words, brake pads are the component that makes contact with and applies pressure and friction to the brake rotors to make the car stop.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Semi-metallic brake pads are often made from a compound of iron, copper, steel, and graphite that have been bonded together through heat and pressure. This material combination allows them to perform well for heavier vehicles like SUVs and trucks that are under extreme pressure.
Semi-metallic brake pads are more resistant to brake fade and are made of a cleaner material that allows the transfer of heat and friction for braking easier compared to other brake pad options.
Although semi-metallic pads are a suitable option for many reasons, there are a few disadvantages of semi-metallic brake pads. They can be noisy after a while of use, and they can be tough on the brake system because of the material compound they are made of, resulting in the wear and tear of the rotors.
Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads are far more durable than you might think, sure they are made out of stacked glass ceramic fibers, filler material, bonding agents, and varying pieces of metals, but they are some of the most durable brake pads out there.
Newer to the mechanical scene than semi-metallic, ceramic brakes were developed in an attempt to reduce noise, heat, and brake dust. Other ways that ceramic brake pads are different include that they are less abrasive on rotors, and they often last longer than other types of brake pads.
Although ceramic pads are a better option for many vehicles, that doesn’t mean that they don’t have their drawbacks. They are typically more expensive than other brake pad options, and they are not designed to be used on performance vehicles or heavy-duty/work trucks.
Brakes Are An Important Component Of Your Automobile
Aside from choosing what type of vehicle you want to be driving, the types of brakes you use may be the next most important decision you make when it comes to your vehicle and safety.
When you choose 2’u’BRAKES you can cut your shop time in half and avoid the lines in total.
You can receive that premium auto-repair shop experience but stress-free and at an affordable price with a service that comes to you. 2’u’BRAKES is Cincinnati’s first trusted mobile auto and brake repair service.
Contact us today to schedule your at-home auto repair.
