Types of Brake Pads
There are different types of brake pads for cars and trucks, but we will focus on the most popular types: Organic, Semi-metallic and Ceramic.
Organic pads are made from natural, non-metallic materials like glass, resins, rubber, graphite and even nutshells. The combination of all these materials makes the brake pad quieter and softer, but they also wear down faster and leave more of a residue than other types of brake pads. They are ideal for smaller cars that are not driven aggressively.
Semi-metallic pads contain a mixture of different materials such as graphite particles, steel fibers, iron powders and copper mixed with friction modifiers that bond all the ingredients together. These pads are great for transferring heat from the rotors, but they also wear the rotors down quicker, and make a lot of noise when the brakes are applied. Our experience with Semi-metallic pads is that even though they are economical, the noise associated with them and the residue left on your wheels is not worth the cost of savings.
Ceramic pads consist of fiberglass fibers, nonferrous filler materials, bonding agents and sometimes small amounts of metal. Ceramic pads will help solve noise problems and they generate less dust and wear on both the pads and rotors. Most ceramic pads, depending on your driving, will last almost twice as long as organic or semi-metallic pads.
You can buy generic cereal, gasoline, or even makeup and it will not be a big deal. But there is no room for second-best when it comes to your brakes and safety. At Favour Automotive, we only install premium, ceramic brake pads.
