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When it comes to performance automobiles, horsepower is king. But having all the power in the world means nothing if you can't harness it properly and bring your vehicle to a controlled and efficient stop.
Yes, we're talking about your car's braking system, particularly its brake pads. When squeezed against a wheel's rotor via its caliper, these friction-generating pads slow or stop its rotation. Depending on the composition of your pads, performance will vary.
Most passenger vehicles come standard with organic brake pads, usually made from a mix of rubber, compressed carbon, fiberglass, and other heat-conducting materials. These provide plenty of stopping power and durability for the average daily driver.
However, organic pads don't hold up well in performance scenarios, like when aggressively braking on a track for hours on end, especially if there are long declines where you're constantly riding the pedal.
If you're considering an upgrade, your choice will come down to semi metallic vs ceramic brake pads. Both are a step up from organic, but only one can be called a "performance" option. Find out which material is best for you in the below guide.
What Are Ceramic Brake Pads?
While they might conjure up images of delicate pottery, ceramic pads are actually among the most durable options available, thanks to their blend of ceramic compounds and copper fibers. Still, they’re not right for every car and driver.
Here’s what you can expect from ceramic brake pads:
Advantages
- Less Brake Dust: Ceramic pads produce less brake dust as they wear. Besides detracting from the vehicle’s aesthetics, excess dust can damage alloy wheels, lessen braking efficiency, or up the odds of issues like a "frozen" caliper.
- Quieter: Due to the ceramic composition, these pads vibrate at a higher frequency when braking, often beyond the range of human hearing. This results in noticeably reduced noise levels compared to other pad materials.
- Longer Lifespan: Ceramic pads also offer better longevity, typically lasting at least 75,000 miles, longer on average than any other brake material. This partly stems from the improved heat dissipation of ceramics, which protects against fading and warping.
Disadvantages
- More Expensive: You may have already guessed, but ceramic pads aren’t cheap. Expect to spend $50-$150 per wheel on average for a ceramic, vs. $35-$80 for a semi-metallic or $20-$70 for an organic. The spread depends on your vehicle's make and model and the product's brand and quality.
- Not Ideal in Extremely Low Temps: Ceramic pads may not perform as well in extreme cold. This is due to the material taking longer to heat up, which can lead to diminished braking response and potentially longer stopping distances until the pads warm up.
What Are Metallic Brake Pads?
Semi-metallic brake pads are typically made from around 30%-70% metal, like iron, copper, steel, and other alloys. These provide the perfect balance of durability and raw stopping power, but are they better for performance than ceramics?
Here’s what you can expect from metallic brake pads:
Advantages
- Better Heat Management: Metals like iron and copper excel in conducting and dissipating heat, minimizing brake fade. This ensures consistent braking performance, even under intense conditions like high-speed racing or when chasing your fastest lap time.
- Improved Stopping Power: Thanks to the high metal content, semi-metallic pads typically provide fantastic stopping power. The gritty nature of the material offers more bite when braking, leading to shorter distances, which is especially important during high-speed maneuvers.
- Better Stability Over Wider Range of Temperatures and Conditions: Semi-metallic pads are less susceptible to environmental fluctuations, helping them maintain consistent performance across a vast range of temperatures and conditions. Whether driving in the rain, heat, or cold, drivers can rely on these pads to perform.
Disadvantages
- Produce More Noise: One trade-off of metallic pads is they produce more noise than other materials, especially when worn or covered in dust, moisture, or other contaminants. These sounds are often described as "grinding" or "squealing" and specifically occur when braking.
- More Taxing on Rotors: Due to their high metal content, these are much more abrasive pads, which can put excessive wear on your rotors. Over time, this can lead to more frequent rotor replacements or maintenance, and therefore, higher overall costs.
- Heavier: Here's an easy one: metallic brake pads are heavier than ceramics or organics. While this might not be a concern for most drivers, those looking for weight reductions in performance or racing scenarios might see this as a disadvantage.
Which Are Best for Performance? Ceramic vs. Metallic Brake Pads
And here we are, the final performance showdown of metallic vs ceramic brake pads. While both deliver better results than organic pads, in most cases, one definitely excels in performance situations.
Here’s how they stack up:
- Longevity: While ceramic pads might last over 75,000 miles in typical conditions, the inherent abrasiveness of metallic pads means they excel in demanding scenarios where stopping power might be more important than an extra 25,000 miles of longevity, like racing.
- Noise Levels: Ceramic pads are the clear winner concerning noise. Their unique composition means vibrations occur at a frequency humans can't detect. Meanwhile, metallic pads can emit more noticeable sounds, like grinding or squealing, especially when they've accumulated dust or are worn.
- Price: Concerning pricing, metallic brake pads tend to be more economical, ranging from $35-$80 per wheel, compared to ceramics, which can run $50-$150. While ceramics might offer certain advantages at a higher price point, like improved longevity, metallics deliver better overall performance and value.
- Performance: Being more abrasive, metallics have the edge over ceramics in sheer stopping performance. For drivers who prioritize instant response and unparalleled stopping power in demanding environments, metallic brake pads stand out as the go-to choice.
So, which is right for you?
If performance is your top priority, metallic brake pads come out ahead. While ceramics have their merits in terms of noise reduction and longevity, metallics outshine them with their aggressive stopping power, which is especially important in high-speed scenarios like racing.
Moreover, the better price point of metallics makes them a more economical choice without compromising on performance. For drivers seeking the best braking response, efficiency in demanding environments, and value, metallic brake pads are your best option.
JEGS: For All Your Automotive Needs
Thanks for reading our guide on the best performance brake pad options. If you didn’t already know, JEGs is a leading supplier of performance auto parts, including brake pads. Browse our full selection of organics, ceramics, and metallics and have your order sent straight to your door.
Still have questions? Contact our team today.
