What is the Difference Between Ceramic Brake Pads and Metallic Brake Pads?
3 Answers
Ceramic brake pads and metallic brake pads differ in the following aspects: Metal Content: Ceramic brake pads do not contain metal components, while metallic brake pads are mostly composed of semi-metallic or low-metallic materials. Heat Dissipation: Ceramic brake pads have better heat dissipation compared to metallic brake pads. High-Temperature Resistance: Ceramic brake pads can withstand continuous high-temperature braking, resulting in shorter braking distances, whereas metallic brake pads perform slightly worse in high-temperature resistance. Wear: Ceramic brake pads experience less wear and have better durability. Metallic brake pads are prone to rust, and their hardness can cause noise when the pads are damaged. Performance: Overall, ceramic brake pads outperform metallic brake pads in terms of performance. However, ceramic brake pads are relatively more expensive, while metallic brake pads are more widely applicable for most vehicles.
I've been driving for many years, commuting daily in the city, and have tried various brake pads. The biggest advantage of ceramic brake pads is their quietness—they don't squeak annoyingly during slow braking or in rainy weather like metallic ones do. In terms of dust, ceramic pads produce much less debris, keeping the rims cleaner and making car washes easier and cheaper. While metallic pads offer better heat dissipation, making them suitable for those who drive on mountain roads or carry heavy loads, for someone like me who just commutes, the noise is too much and affects the driving mood. Ceramic pads respond quickly during cold starts with no delay, whereas metallic pads might slip a bit on wet surfaces. Ceramic pads are more expensive, but considering the lower maintenance costs, they're quite cost-effective in the long run. Before changing brake pads, think carefully about your driving habits—don't just follow trends blindly.
Having played with cars for over a decade, I've modified quite a few brake systems. Metal brake pads typically contain mixtures of iron, copper, and similar materials, offering high strength and rapid heat dissipation. They perform rock-solid during high-speed driving, and you'll never worry about heat fade when descending mountain roads. The downside? They're noisy as hell—especially at low speeds, that screeching sound could wake the neighbors—and produce tons of dust, leaving your wheels perpetually black. Ceramic brake pads, made with advanced materials, wear slower, generate minimal dust, and are virtually silent, making daily driving much more comfortable. Performance-wise, ceramics offer better cold bite but can't match metals in high-temperature resistance—don't expect them to stay rock-steady during extreme thrashing. Which to choose? If you're tearing up the track daily, go metal. For daily commutes or family trips, ceramics are the smarter pick—better balance and practicality.