What Material Are Brake Pads Made Of?

[KiraFitz]

Brake pads are made of materials such as semi-metallic, low-metallic, aramid copper fiber, and high-end ceramic. 1. Semi-metallic brake pads: Essentially, all vehicles come with this type of brake pad as standard. Of course, these brake pads are also the most affordable. They have a relatively low friction coefficient, typically around 0.38, and a shorter lifespan. Some manufacturers produce semi-metallic brake pads with a higher friction coefficient, but this comes with the drawback of being prone to noise. 2. Low-metallic brake pads: These brake pads are slightly more expensive than semi-metallic ones and offer better performance. This formulation is considered mid-range, though it is not widely recognized by consumers. In reality, these brake pads offer excellent value for money. 3. Aramid copper fiber brake pads: This formulation is superior to the previous two, with higher price and performance. Reputable manufacturers add aramid to these brake pads. The inclusion of copper and aramid significantly enhances the lifespan and braking performance of the pads. 4. High-end ceramic brake pads: Ceramic is extremely hard and wear-resistant. The raw materials used by different manufacturers vary, leading to differences in the quality and price of ceramic brake pads. True ceramic brake pads also contain aramid fibers, offering far superior lifespan and performance compared to the other formulations mentioned. Of course, they are also more expensive.

[Wyatt]

As someone who frequently commutes by car, I think brake pad materials are quite crucial. Common types include semi-metallic, ceramic, and organic materials. Semi-metallic pads contain a lot of steel powder, which makes them low-cost to manufacture and good at heat dissipation. They perform stably in low winter temperatures but tend to produce noise and dust, often leaving the wheels black and not very aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic materials are more expensive, using ceramic fibers and rubber binders. They offer high friction performance, quiet and smooth braking, and cause less damage to the discs, making them suitable for drivers who enjoy high speeds or seek a comfortable ride. Organic materials are mostly used in economy cars and are more environmentally friendly, utilizing plant fibers and resins. However, they wear out quickly, and braking power can be slightly reduced after rain. Personally, I recommend choosing based on budget and driving habits. For city commuting, semi-metallic pads are cost-effective enough. For those who drive frequently at high speeds, ceramic pads are safer. Regular inspections are essential—I usually have a mechanic measure the thickness every 30,000 kilometers to avoid excessive wear and potential risks, as brake failure is no small matter.

[VivienneAnn]

I've been driving modified cars for years, and brake pad materials directly impact performance! The mainstream options are semi-metallic, ceramic, and low-metallic formulas. Semi-metallic pads use steel and copper powder, offering strong friction and quick response—perfect for mountain roads with excellent grip. However, they produce a lot of dust, making wheel cleaning a hassle, and cost under a hundred bucks. Ceramic pads, infused with quartz fibers, remain stable at high temperatures, delivering sharp performance on racetracks or during high-speed driving with shorter braking distances and longer durability, though they cost several times more. There's also a newer organic-ceramic hybrid, combining eco-friendly materials to reduce noise with less metal content. Which to choose? Depends on your driving style: for daily city driving, semi-metallic is the most practical; for highways, go ceramic—don't skimp on safety. Remember to regularly check material thickness—replace if worn down to 3mm, as braking fade can be deadly. When DIY replacing pads, avoid installing substandard products, as mismatched materials can damage rotors.

[MacCharles]

As a female car owner, I was quite concerned about braking issues when I first started driving. Simply put: brake pads are mainly made of ceramic or metal. Ceramic materials may sound like tableware, but they actually use hard powders and fibers, providing smooth and quiet braking while also protecting the brake discs of new cars. I've always used these for my small family car—they produce less dust and are easier to maintain. Metal pads contain iron and steel particles, offering an affordable price, but they can accidentally grind the discs or create noise, and are prone to slipping in rainy weather. Regular inspections are crucial; I recommend having the thickness checked by a repair shop every six months. If the material wears thin, replace it immediately—otherwise, it could lead to dangerous braking failures. Oh, and when replacing materials, choose high-quality branded products—don’t skimp on cheap, inferior ones, as they accelerate wear and compromise driving safety.