Ceramic vs. Metallic Brake Pads, What's the Difference?

Your braking system is perhaps the most critical safety mechanism in your vehicle. But while you rely on brakes every day to help you safely get from point A to B, you probably don't think about what's actually happening when you press on the brake pedal. 

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Here's the basics of how the system works: when you step on your brake pedal, your car pushes pressurized fluid through its brake lines into a caliper at each wheel, where the brake pads are located. The brake fluid pushes the brake pads against a disc rotor in each wheel to slow it down, gradually bringing your wheels to a stop. 

In other words, your brake system turns your car's kinetic energy into thermal energy through friction applied by the brake pads. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this critical component of your brake system and the pros and cons of each type ' ceramic vs. semi metallic brake pads, for instance ' to help you decide which is best for your vehicle and driving style.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF BRAKE PADS

These days, drivers typically have a choice between three types of brake pads: ceramic vs. semi metallic vs. organic brake pads. That wasn't always the case. The first use of brake pads goes all the way back to the 19th century. Bertha Benz ' famous inventor and wife of Mercedes-Benz founder Karl Benz ' is credited with creating the first brake pads out of leather for an early patent of their automobile in .

Since then, the materials used to make brake pads have evolved with advances in technology. It wasn't until the mid-to-late 20th century, as drum brakes were increasingly replaced by modern disc brakes, that manufacturers began producing the ceramic, metallic and organic brake pads used today.

ORGANIC BRAKE PADS

The brake pads in disc brakes were initially made from asbestos, a heat-absorbing material well-suited for the wear and tear that brake pads take on. However, asbestos was discovered to be a highly-potent carcinogen, causing cancer in those with prolonged exposure. When these asbestos-based brake pads had worn down, they would release asbestos into the air for drivers to unknowingly inhale. Manufacturers realized asbestos wasn't a safe compound to use in braking systems. As a result, organic brake pads ' or non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake pads ' were created to fill the gap.

Organic brake pads, which come standard on about 67% of new vehicles sold within the United States, are made of a mixture of fibers and materials such as rubber, carbon compounds, glass or fiberglass, and Kevlar', and are bound together with resin. They tend to produce less dust than some other types of brake pads, such as metallic pads, and are available at a lower price point.

Unlike performance brake pads, which are primarily used in heavy and high-performance vehicles, organic brake pads generate a moderate amount of friction without much heat being present, making them suitable for drivers who use their cars for everyday driving and commuting. Organic brake pads also tend to be quiet and don't put much stress on the brake rotors, which is a plus since brake rotors are often costly to repair or replace if damaged.

However, organic brake pads do have some disadvantages when compared to other types of brake pads. Organic brake pads can tend to wear out more quickly because of their composite nature, meaning they might have to be replaced more often. They also tend to function best within a smaller range of temperatures. They don't perform as well as semi metallic brake pads in extreme weather or when they are being pushed too hard and overheat. Organic brake pads also have a higher compressibility level, which means the driver has to press on the brake pedal with more force to engage them.

CERAMIC BRAKE PADS

Ceramic brake pads are made from material very similar to the type of ceramic used to make pottery and plates. Ceramic brake pad material, however, is denser and considerably more durable. Ceramic brake pads also have fine copper fibers embedded within them, to help increase their friction and heat conductivity.

Since they were developed in the mid-s, ceramic brake pads have consistently increased in popularity for a number reasons:

• Noise-Level: Ceramic brake pads are very quiet, creating little-to-no extra sound when the brakes are applied.
• Wear & Tear Residue: Compared to organic brake pads, ceramic brake pads tend to produce less dust and other particles as they wear down.
• Temperature & Driving Conditions: Compared to organic brake pads, ceramic brake pads can be more reliable in a broader range of temperatures and driving conditions.

Yet ceramic brake pads do have some limitations. Primarily, their cost: due to higher manufacturing costs, ceramic brake pads tend to be the most expensive of all brake pad types. Also, since both ceramic and copper can't absorb as much heat as other types of materials, more of the heat generated by braking will pass through the brake pads and into the rest of the braking system. This can cause more wear and tear on other braking components. Lastly, ceramic brake pads aren't considered the best choice for extreme driving conditions. If you're facing very cold weather or an upcoming race and you're choosing between ceramic vs. semi metallic brake pads, you'll want to go with metallic.

SEMI-METALLIC BRAKE PADS

The final type of brake pad is the semi metallic brake pad. Semi metallic brake pads are different from fully metal brake pads in that they use fillers to create the pad compound instead of using 100% metal. Full metal brake pads are typically reserved for truly extreme braking requirements

Semi metallic brake pads are between 30% and 70% metal, including copper, iron, steel, and other composite alloys. These various metals are combined with graphite lubricant and other fillers to complete the brake pad. The metallic brake pad compounds available vary, each type offering their own advantages for everything from daily commutes to track racing.

For many drivers, especially those who value high-performance, the choice between ceramic vs. semi metallic brake pads is easy. Performance-driven drivers tend to prefer the metallic brake pads because they offer improved braking performance in a much more comprehensive range of temperatures and conditions. Because metal is such a good conductor of heat, metallic brake pads tend to withstand more heat while simultaneously helping braking systems cool back down more quickly. They also don't compress as much as organic brakes, meaning less pressure needs to be applied to the brake pedal to affect stopping ability.

However, there are some disadvantages when it comes to metallic vs. ceramic and organic brake pads. Metallic brake pads tend to be noisier than their ceramic or organic counterparts, leading to a louder ride. Metallic pads also put more stress on the brake system, adding more strain and wear on the brake rotors. As far as price goes, metallic brake pads tend to fall somewhere between organic and ceramic pads. They tend to produce more brake dust than the other two varieties as well.

CERAMIC VS. METALLIC VS. ORGANIC BRAKE PADS: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

So which brake pad is the best choice for you between ceramic vs. semi metallic vs. organic brake pads? It depends on your vehicle manufacturer recommendations and the ride you expect from your vehicle combined with your driving style. 

If you have a high-performance sports car, or at least drive your vehicle like one, you're likely better off choosing semi metallic brake pads. On the other hand, if you do a lot of urban commuting, you might find a solid ceramic brake pad to be the better option. If you don't put a lot of mileage on your vehicle, an organic brake pad might be the best, low-price option for your driving habits.

No matter which type you choose, have your brakes inspected and your brake pads replaced regularly. You'll know your brake pads need replacement when you hear the squeal of the metal 'tang' at the base of the pad as it comes into contact with the rotor. Tangs are built into all types of brake pads as an indicator of wear; if you hear it, don't wait too long to get new pads. At that point, deciding between ceramic vs. metallic brake pads ' or organic pads for a price-friendly option ' is up to you.

Below is a simple table that illustrates some of the comparative differences between organic, ceramic, and metallic brake pads.

BRAKE PAD TYPE

ORGANIC

CERAMIC

METALLIC

Price

$

$$$

$$

Performance

Low

Medium

High

Noise

Low

Very Low

High

Wear & Tear On Brake System

Low

Very Low

Medium

All disc brakes, whether hydraulic or mechanical, operate in the same way, by pushing two disc brake pads against the sides of the rotor to slow or bring your bike to a halt.

As with most things in cycling, however, even a seemingly simple, consumable component such as disc brake pads come in a variety of options.

Over time, the pads on your bike will get worn down, so you need to check regularly for pad wear before replacing them.

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You can also change and upgrade your pads if you're not happy with the braking performance, with different pads better suited to different conditions.

But which disc brake pads do you need for your bike? Here's everything you need to know, including how disc brake pads work, when to replace disc brake pads, and the different materials that are available.

How do disc brake pads work?

A disc brake works by pushing two pads against a rotor. - Steve Behr / Immediate Media

Mountain bike disc brakes have been commonplace for a long time now but, in recent years, discs have also become the de facto standard on road bikes and gravel bikes.

As a result, discs are by far the most common type of bike brake on the latest performance-focused machines. But how do they work?

A disc brake pad is made up of a block of braking material bonded to a metal backing plate. The metal plate adds structural rigidity to the braking surface and holds it in position within the brake caliper.

When you apply a bike's brakes, pistons in the caliper push the pads against the spinning rotor, which is attached to the hub of the wheel.

There's usually a metal spring to stop the pads from rattling in the caliper when the brake isn't on, though some designs, such as Magura's MT 7 mountain bike disc brakes, use magnetic pads and pistons and do away with the springs.

The friction between the pad and the rotor generates heat and also slowly wears down the layer of braking material in the pad.

The metal plate helps remove heat from the brake and some will have fins or other features to help dissipate heat faster.

With prolonged hard braking, it's possible for the pads to transfer enough heat into the caliper to boil the hydraulic fluid in the pistons, resulting in brake fade and causing the brakes to become less effective.

When to replace disc brake pads

Which disc brake pads do you need for your bike?

Organic vs sintered vs semi-metallic brake pads

Sintered (left) and organic (right) brake pads are the most common. - Immediate Media

Like many bike components, disc brake pads come in a range of shapes and sizes to fit different brake models, so the sassy answer is 'the ones that fit your brakes'.

But there's more to pad choice than that because pads can be made from a range of different materials. The best option for you depends on the type of riding you're doing.

Pads can be either organic, sintered or semi-metallic, and we'll run through the pros and cons of each.

Organic brake pads

Organic disc brake pads are generally made up of Kevlar, rubber and silica, bound together with resin.

If you're offended by noisy brakes, organic pads are for you. Also referred to as resin pads, they're the quietest option. They also give you sharper braking and don't need to warm up before they start to work well.

The organic compound helps to insulate the pad from the caliper, so more heat stays in the rotor and less is transferred to the brake fluid, although they're more prone to fade under prolonged braking.

An organic pad will also wear out more quickly than other options, so you'll need to change your pads more frequently. They don't like dirty or wet riding much either and they can glaze over, so you might need to recondition the pads.

Organic pads are a good option for less extreme riding in dry conditions, so they work well for summer use on road bikes with disc brakes and XC mountain biking, particularly if you live somewhere relatively flat and aren't riding technical descents with lots of braking.

• Sharper initial braking response
• Quick to bed-in
• Excellent initial bite, especially at low temperatures
• Quieter

Cons

• Faster wear
• Degraded performance and faster wear when conditions are wet or dirty
• Braking power fades at high temperatures
• Can glaze over

Sintered brake pads

Sintered brake pads cope better with wet and muddy conditions. - Steve Behr / Immediate Media

Sintered, or metallic, brake pads are made of a mixture of metallic particles pressed together.

They are more durable than organic pads and should last longer because they can handle dirt and damp conditions a lot better.

Sintered brake pads will keep working well at higher temperatures too, although the metal content tends to transfer more heat to the brake fluid in the caliper than an organic pad.

However, sintered brake pads need a while to warm up before they start to work at their best and are also much more likely to be noisy.

Sintered disc brake pads are a good option if your riding is on the more extreme side ' for example, if you're riding a downhill bike or enduro bike ' or if you frequently ride in muddy conditions.

• Longer lasting
• Strong stopping power under extreme braking
• More consistent in wet and dirty conditions
• Can handle higher temperatures
• Not prone to glazing

Cons

• Take longer to bed-in
• More prone to transfer heat to calipers
• More likely to be noisy

Semi-metallic brake pads

Semi-metallic pads offer a balance of stopping power and durability. - James Huang / Immediate Media

Semi-metallic pads are designed to combine the advantages of both organic and sintered brake pads.

They're made of an organic compound but incorporate metal particles to increase durability.

Other advantages include better ultimate stopping power than organic pads on long descents paired with quicker warm-up than sintered.

Like organic pads, they're prone to glazing and they're often the most expensive option. They're not as quiet as organic pads either.

They're a good all-round option for road riders and XC mountain bikers because they'll work well in the wet or dry, without sacrificing too much longevity.

• More durable and better wet-weather performance than organic
• More predictable power than sintered pads
• Don't take as long to warm up as sintered

Cons

• More expensive than other options
• Can be prone to glazing

Swapping pad compounds

It can be worth experimenting with pads and pad composition, rather than just replacing like with like.

You might want to change pads between summer and winter too, opting for the increased power and quieter performance of organic pads in the summer, and the durability of sintered in the winter.

You can also mix and match brake pads, using a longer-lasting sintered or semi-metallic pad at the rear and an organic one at the front.

The organic front pad will give you more stopping power, but at the expense of greater wear. Rear-brake stopping power doesn't need to be as great as at the front and the harder pad should last longer and be more weather-resistant.

For optimum performance, when you change pad compounds you should swap brake rotors too, because the new pads won't grip as well on the layers of material laid down by the previous pads.

Keeping the same rotors won't be a disaster, though ' it'll just take the new pads longer to bed in.

Read our guide on how to bed in disc brake pads for more information.

Other factors to consider

SwissStop ExoTherm pads use a semi-metallic compound and incorporate cooling fins in their backing plates to up heat dissipation. - Jack Luke / Immediate Media

It's also worth considering the backing material used on brake pads. You may not have a choice in this, but some brands make pads with either alloy or steel backing plates ' the former saving you a couple of grams and sometimes coming with claims of better heat dissipation.

Titanium-backed pads are also available, most notably with Shimano's XTR brakes, stepping things up once again.

It's also increasingly common to see disc brake pads with built-in cooling fins, popularised by Shimano with its Ice-Tech pads and said to improve braking performance by using airflow to quickly move heat away from the pad surface.

A number of other brands, including SwissStop and Superstar, offer similar designs.

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