Ceramic pads are the best option for everyday driving, while semi-metallic pads are preferred for high-performance cars. It’s good to think about your driving style and the manufacturer’s recommendations before making your pick.

No matter the sign or reason, brake pads are one of those

car repair

or maintenance tasks that seem to always be popping up.

Ever since Bertha Benz (of the Mercedes-Benz fame) created brake pads from leather in the 19th century, brake pads have since become essential to today’s modern braking systems.

When it comes to buying new brake pads, you’ll likely encounter two options: ceramic, and semi-metallic brake pads. But what’s the difference?

With some help from

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, this guide will help you choose the best brake pads for your car, especially when it comes to ceramic vs semi metallic brake pads.

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What’s the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads?

As you’re shopping around for new brake pads, you'll come across two common types—ceramic and semi-metallic. Here’s a closer look at the differences between the two.

Ceramic brake pads

Since hitting the market in the 1980s, ceramic brake pads have become an increasingly popular option for daily driving. They’re typically the most expensive option when it comes to brake pads and are made from a mix of copper fibers and ceramic materials that wear well over time.

Ceramic brake pads work best in mild to hot temperatures (preferably 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above) and are good for daily driving.

Another reason why ceramic brake pads are a common choice is that they’re extremely quiet—you won’t hear any additional sound when you step on the brake. They’re also one of the cleanest options since they produce relatively little brake dust compared to their semi-metallic counterparts.

However, ceramic brake pads are a bad choice for high-performance cars since they cannot sustain the high performance and heat levels those cars require.

MORE:

How do I get rid of accidents on my driving record?

Semi-metallic brake pads

If you have a high-performance car, semi-metallic brake pads are what you’re looking for.

Because they’re made from a mixture of steel, copper, iron, and other metals, this option has an increased stopping power that can handle the higher pressure required by performance vehicles or vehicles that frequently tow heavy loads.

Plus, these heat-resistant pads can also handle a wide range of temperatures, which makes them able to endure colder climates than ceramic pads in addition to hot temperatures.

But there are drawbacks. Semi-metallic brake pads are harder on your brake system. This is especially true if you’re coming to fast and frequent stops.

They’re also the noisiest option and produce the most brake dust. For cars that don’t need the increased stopping capability, the semi-metallic brake pads will likely be too harsh for your car’s braking system.

Key Takeaway Ceramic brake pads are a great option for most cars except high-performance or towing vehicles, for which semi-metallic pads are the better choice.

What about organic brake pads?

In some cases, you may come across a third option—true to their name, organic brake pads are made from a mixture of organic materials (rubber, carbon, glass, fiberglass, resin, etc.).

Like ceramic brake pads, organic brake pads are best for daily driving and not special performance or heavy-duty vehicles. Though they’re easy on the vehicle’s brake system and brake softly, they tend to wear out faster than other brake pad options.

MORE:

How to tell if your brake pads and shoes are worn out

Basics of brake pads

But how do brake pads actually work? They’re a part of your large (but fairly simple) braking system.

When you step on the brake, pressurized fluid is sent through the car’s brake lines and eventually reaches a caliper at each wheel. The calipers are attached to the brake pads, which gently push against the disc rotors of each wheel. It’s this applied pressure that slows your wheels down and eventually brings your car to a stop.

Since the friction created by the brake pads and disc rotor is the critical ingredient in slowing your car down, your brake pads will inevitably wear out over time.

How to tell when your brake pads need to be replaced

As soon as you hear squealing metal sounds when you brake, it’s time to have your brake pads checked out. The squealing is a result of the rotor touching the base of the brake pad.

Some other signs that the brake pads need to be replaced may include:

Dashboard indicator light

Brake pedal vibrates when pushed

Brake pads are visibly thinner (i.e., less than a quarter-inch thick)

Choosing the right brake pads for your car

Now that you know the differences of ceramic vs semi metallic brake pads, it’s time to pick some out for your car!

There are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing brake pads:

The vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation

Your driving style (do you drive quickly and/or brake frequently? Or are you a slower driver?)

The ride you want from your car (do you drive a high-performance vehicle or drive your car like one?)

If you’re still unsure which type of brake pad is best for you, don’t be shy to take your car to an

auto mechanic

—they’ll be able to get your vehicle fitted with the best option.

MORE:

Here’s why your car insurance keeps going up

Does car insurance cover brake pads?

Car insurance does not cover general wear and tear to your vehicle. Even if you have

full coverage

insurance, you can expect to pay for brake pad replacements out-of-pocket.

However, this could be a good time to revisit your car insurance plan to see whether your coverage still fits your needs. That’s where

Jerry

comes in. This

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Once you’ve found a new insurance company, Jerry takes care of all the paperwork and phone calls so that you don’t have to. They can even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?

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FAQs

Which lasts longer: ceramic or semi-metallic brake pads?

Ceramic brake padslast longer than semi-metallic ones. This is mostly because they are not put under the same stress and friction that semi-metallic brake pads have to deal with.

Do semi-metallic brake pads leave brake dust?

Yes, you can expect semi-metallic brake pads to leavebrake dust. This is because more stress is often applied to them when braking a car traveling at fast speeds.

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