The braking system is one of the most critical safety components in a car, and brake pads—being the core part of the braking system—directly influence braking performance and driving safety depending on the material chosen. Common materials for brake pads include metal, ceramic, and organic materials, each with its own unique properties and suitable applications.

I. Metal Material Brake Pads

Metal brake pads, commonly referred to as semi-metallic brake pads, contain 30%–65% metal—such as iron, copper, steel, or composite metals. They offer excellent thermal conductivity and superior resistance to high temperatures, making them ideal for use in heavy-load and high-speed driving conditions.

Advantages:

• Excellent high-temperature performance: Metal brake pads maintain reliable braking performance even at elevated temperatures.

• Excellent wear resistance: Metal brake pads offer superior durability, resulting in a relatively longer service life.

• Relatively low cost: Compared to ceramic brake pads, metal brake pads have lower production costs.

Disadvantages:

• High noise levels: Metal brake pads tend to generate significant noise during braking.

• High dust generation: Significant metal dust is produced during the process.

• Significant wear on brake discs: Metal brake pads, being highly durable, accelerate the erosion of brake discs.

II. Ceramic Material Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads are made from ceramic fibers, non-metallic fillers, a binder, and a small amount of metal. These brake pads deliver outstanding performance in terms of braking efficiency, noise control, and reduced wear.

Advantages:

• Stable braking performance: Ceramic brake pads deliver consistent braking performance, especially across varying temperatures and operating conditions.

• Quieter operation: Ceramic brake pads produce significantly less noise during operation compared to metal brake pads.

• Low dust and clean: It produces fine, white dust that has minimal impact on the environment and the braking system.

• Minimal wear on brake discs: Ceramic brake pads are softer, resulting in relatively less wear on the brake discs.

Disadvantages:

• High cost: Ceramic brake pads are more expensive, with relatively higher market prices.

• Relatively poor high-temperature performance: At extremely high temperatures, the performance of ceramic brake pads may decline.

• Not suitable for aggressive driving: Ceramic brake pads may not be the best choice for heavy loads or high-speed driving conditions.

3. Organic Material Brake Pads

Organic brake pads (also known as non-asbestos organic brake pads) are primarily composed of various organic fibers, fillers, and resin binders. They were initially developed as a replacement for asbestos-containing materials.

Advantages:

• Minimal noise: The material of organic brake pads effectively reduces noise generated during braking.

• Smooth braking feel: Organic brake pads deliver a gentle braking experience, avoiding any abrupt stops.

• Minimal wear on brake discs: This material is exceptionally gentle on brake discs.

Disadvantages:

• Poor high-temperature resistance: Organic brake pads tend to lose performance at elevated temperatures.

• Poor wear resistance: Compared to metal brake pads, organic brake pads have lower wear performance, leading to more frequent replacement needs.

• Reduced Performance in Wet Conditions: On wet or rainy days, the braking performance of organic brake pads may be compromised.

Summary:

When choosing brake pad materials, consider your driving habits, vehicle type, and budget comprehensively. For vehicles that demand high performance and frequent high-speed driving, metal brake pads may be the better fit. If you prioritize quietness, cleanliness, and prefer everyday city driving, ceramic brake pads could be the ideal choice. Meanwhile, for price-conscious drivers seeking a comfortable driving experience, organic brake pads might be the way to go. Importantly, no matter which type of brake pads you select, regular inspections and timely replacements are essential steps to ensure your car’s safety.