Car owners often face the question of whether to choose between ceramic or organic brake pads when changing brakes.
If you are looking for the ideal brake pads, you need to consider heat resistance due to the friction generated by the car.
Around the 1950s, when cars were equipped with disc brakes, asbestos was the ideal material for brake pads. The material was cheap and heat-resistant but had the disadvantage of being an environmental hazard. Manufacturers were forced to seek alternatives.
Organic brake pads were made from a mixture of different materials such as fiber, glass, Kevlar, and carbon. Resin was added to bind all the components together. This resulted in a cheaper manufacturing process, while the materials were environmentally friendly.
Semi-metallic brake pads were introduced later. These consisted of 65% metal components. Some of the metals used are copper, iron, and steel. The remaining 35% is made up of fillers, modifiers, and a bit of graphite. Due to the metallic nature of the brake pads, they are durable but have the disadvantage of being noisy.
In the 1980s, car manufacturers began producing ceramic brake pads. These pads would be made of ceramic fibers and copper. They were then baked in an oven to make them stable. Ceramic pads are quieter and gentler on the rotors.
Ceramic or Organic Brake Pads
Organic Pads
Organic brake pads are made of natural materials such as rubber, Kevlar, or glass. They are characterized by being softer on the rotors than ceramic brake pads. Since they are made of natural materials, they are cheaper and easy to manufacture.
The brakes are best suited for those who do not use their car for long-distance driving but for daily commutes. The brake pads wear out quickly, which is proven by the large amount of dust they produce. You will need to replace your organic pads more often than ceramic pads.
The brakes also have the additional disadvantage of overheating quickly, which can lead to a loss of friction, making it difficult to stop the car.
Advantages
- Unlike metal pads, produce less dust
- Easier to manufacture
- Gentler on brake discs
- Can be used by a variety of cars and weather conditions
Disadvantages
- Cannot withstand certain temperatures
- Not suitable for race cars
- Need to be replaced frequently
- Ceramic Brake Pads
- Ceramic brakes are durable due to the nature of the materials used in their manufacturing. They are the ideal type of brakes for car owners who travel a lot over long distances.
- Ceramic brakes do not overheat easily, meaning they are less abrasive.
You should expect them to last longer than organic brakes. They produce dust, but not as much as organic brakes.
Advantages
- The quietest of the pads
- Brake dust is fine so it does not stick to the rotors
- Can withstand different temperatures
- Higher lifespan than organic brake pads
Disadvantages
- More expensive than other types of brake pads
- In extremely cold weather, they are noisier
- Not suitable for large trucks or high-performance cars
- Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Advantages
- The metal content allows them to withstand high temperatures
- Can be used for high-performance cars
- Produce a firmer grip on the rotors
Disadvantages
- Have more brake dust
- Are the noisiest
- Expensive
- Factors to Consider When Buying Brake Pads
Organic Brake Pads
1. Heat
A car moving at high speed causes a lot of friction between the brake pads and the rotors. Therefore, if you travel long distances and carry heavy loads, you need brake pads that can withstand the heat.
Good brake pads must be heavy enough to dissipate the heat generated during braking. However, brake pads should not be so heavy that they put extra pressure on the car. Ceramic brake pads are both lightweight and heat-resistant.
2. Noise
Noisy brakes are a source of irritation for many drivers. Steel or bronze brake pads with carbon are usually heat-resistant but noisy. The best brake pads for noise reduction are generally ceramic pads. This is due to their soft material, which is gentle on the rotors.
3. Durability
It is expensive to change brake pads every time you visit the service station. The least durable pads are organic pads, followed by semi-metallic pads. If you want durable brake pads, choose ceramic pads.
4. Dust
Dust is what remains when the brake pads come into contact with the rotors. You should choose brake pads that produce the least amount of dust. Organic brake pads have a high percentage of carbon and graphite components. Therefore, they produce the most dust. Ceramic brake pads produce dust, but the dust is less sticky and will not stain your car’s wheels.
Conclusion
It is impossible to drive a car without a functioning braking system. Brake failure is a source of serious accidents. When you press the brake pedal, a hydraulic system supplies brake fluid to the wheels, and the brake pads come into contact with the rotors. This allows the car to stop.
Brake pads are subjected to enormous pressure because they are in constant contact with the rotors. This means they are prone to overheating and cracking. Choosing between ceramic or organic brake pads is not an easy choice. Both pads have advantages and disadvantages. Organic brake pads were first made but quickly became unpopular due to their high asbestos content. Later, other materials such as fibers, glass, and Kevlar were used.
Organic pads are cheap, and this contributes to their popularity. They are ideal for car owners who drive moderately. The brakes are also quiet and protect the brake discs. Ceramic brakes are becoming increasingly popular. This is because they are quiet and less prone to wear.
They are also ideal for driving in different temperature conditions. However, ceramic brake pads are more expensive and produce less dust. They are also the most durable.