How Many Types of Brake Pads Are There?

[ORicardo]

Brake pads are categorized into organic brake pads (for cars, light rail, and subways), sintered brake pads (for high-speed trains), and carbon-carbon brake pads (for racing cars). Below is relevant information about automotive brake pads: Service life of brake pads: Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are the most critical safety components in a car's braking system. The effectiveness of all braking relies decisively on the brake pads, making high-quality brake pads the guardian of both drivers and vehicles. Timely replacement of brake pads: Brake pads are consumables that gradually wear down with use. They must be replaced once worn to the limit position; otherwise, braking performance will be compromised, potentially leading to safety incidents. Generally, front brake pads wear relatively faster, while rear brake pads last longer.

[Pinto]

As a seasoned car repair veteran, I've encountered many types of brake pads. The mainstream categories are ceramic, semi-metallic, organic resin, and low-metallic pads. Ceramic pads provide smooth braking with almost no noise and minimal dust, making them ideal for daily city driving—my clients have given positive feedback after using them. However, they come at a higher price. Semi-metallic pads offer strong braking power, especially useful for mountain driving or heavy loads, but they wear out quickly, produce more dust, and can damage brake rotors. Organic pads are the cheapest, quiet, and comfortable, commonly found in family cars, though they have a shorter lifespan and need inspection or replacement every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. Low-metallic pads strike a balance and suit budget-conscious drivers. Choosing the right type depends on driving habits: performance pads for speed enthusiasts, ceramic for hassle-free commuting. Remember to regularly check the thickness to avoid accidents.

[VanJocelyn]

I've been driving for over twenty years and have replaced brake pads several times. Common types include ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic pads. Ceramic pads offer almost zero noise, smooth braking, and keep the car clean with minimal dust—I use these for daily commuting. Semi-metallic pads provide strong braking, making them suitable for SUVs or when carrying heavy loads, but they wear out quickly and often squeak, which is uncomfortable. Organic pads are affordable and quiet but not very durable, so it's best to have spares before long trips. My recommendation is to choose based on your vehicle type: organic for small cars and semi-metallic for rugged vehicles. Don't overlook the replacement interval—generally, check around 30,000 kilometers. Some new composite materials are also being tested, with more budget-friendly prices. Safety comes first, so replace them when needed.

[AndrewMarie]

When I first started learning to drive, my instructor told me that brake pads mainly include ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic types. Ceramic pads are quiet during braking and produce less dust, making them suitable for daily driving in sedans; semi-metallic pads offer stronger braking force, ideal for off-road or heavy-load vehicles; organic pads are affordable, practical, and easy to replace. My small car uses organic pads for hassle-free maintenance. Each type has a different lifespan: organic pads may wear out after about 20,000 kilometers, while semi-metallic ones last slightly longer. Choosing the right type can extend the life of the brake discs. Regularly checking the thickness helps avoid issues.