What Are the Materials of Brake Pads?
3 Answers
Brake pads are made of materials such as asbestos, semi-metallic, low-metallic, NAO formula, ceramic, and high-carbon fiber. Brake pads generally consist of a steel plate, a bonded heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The heat insulation layer is composed of non-heat-conductive materials to provide insulation. The friction block is made of friction materials and adhesives, which are pressed against the brake disc or drum during braking to generate friction, thereby achieving the purpose of decelerating and stopping the vehicle. The working principle of braking mainly relies on friction. By utilizing the friction between the brake pads and the brake disc, as well as between the tires and the ground, the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted into heat energy through friction, bringing the car to a stop.
From my over twenty years of driving experience, brake pads mainly come in ceramic, semi-metallic, organic, and full-metallic materials. Ceramic brake pads are very quiet, produce almost no dust, and are suitable for daily city commuting, making the car interior more comfortable. However, they are slightly more expensive but have a long lifespan, reducing the hassle of frequent replacements. Semi-metallic brake pads contain copper or iron fibers, offer good heat dissipation, and can handle intense braking during high-speed driving, but they are noisier, wear down brake discs faster, and require frequent checks. Organic brake pads are made of resin and rubber, are environmentally friendly and affordable, but less durable and prone to failure under high temperatures. Full-metallic pads, like those used in racing, provide strong braking power but are unsuitable for regular use due to more noticeable noise and dust issues. Choosing the right material depends on driving habits—for example, I opt for semi-metallic for long-distance driving and ceramic for short city trips for peace of mind. Additionally, regular maintenance of the braking system can prevent safety risks, while neglecting material replacement may lead to longer braking distances and potential accident hazards.
As an automotive enthusiast, I always emphasize performance differences when discussing brake pad materials. Ceramic is my favorite—it's made with ceramic fibers, offering stable friction, minimal noise, and low dust. The braking feel is smooth during long drives. Semi-metallic pads contain metal particles, excel in heat dissipation, and are great for tracks or high-performance cars with quick braking response, though they sometimes squeak and wear heavily. Organic pads are affordable and eco-friendly but suffer from significant heat fade and can fail at high speeds. Full-metallic pads are mostly seen in racing—powerful but not durable. Regarding relevance, be extra cautious with semi-metallic pads in wet conditions due to poor performance, while ceramics adapt better. Don’t just look at price—driving style decides: aggressive driving suits semi-metallic, while relaxed commuting favors ceramic.
