What is better semi metallic or ceramic brake pads?

Answer 1

Pros of Ceramic:

- In general, they last longer than semi-metallic

- They can take slightly more abuse

- They leave minimal brake dust, and the dust that is left is less noticeable-a nice complement to chrome and alloy wheels.

Cons of Ceramic:

- Ceramic brakes need to warm up a little before they attain the grip of semi-metallic pads.

- They're more expensive-sometimes considerably more. However, some brands sell competitively-priced ceramic pads.

Pros of Semi-Metallic:

- Better grip than ceramic when cold

- Often less expensive than ceramic

Cons of Semi-Metallic

- Shorter life

- Brake dust is much more apparent

I've used both. I've been buying semi-metallic for a while, but that's because they have a lifetime warranty, so I don't pay for replacements. I just put my chrome wheels on for the summer. I'm thinking of switching to ceramic. Just remember you're going to have to brake slightly harder or earlier until those puppies get hot. The difference is not extremely noticeable in performance. If you have chrome rims you want to take care of, go with ceramic. If you want more life out of your pads, go with ceramic. If you don't want to pay as much, go with semi-metallic.

Earlier ceramic brake pads are supposed to be the ones that have to heat up before they grip as well as semi-metallic. Supposedly some recent ceramic pads don't have this problem. You'll need to do some research to find out which is which.

Also, some ceramic brake pads wear out rotors faster than organic and some semi-metallic pads, so if you're going to install ceramic pads, and if your current rotors are approaching their minimal thickness, it's best to replace the rotors with tougher ones designed for use with ceramic pads, that won't wear out as fast. However, if your current rotors are in good shape, just keep them in place until it's time to replace them, then replace them with ones designed to wear less with ceramic pads.

++ Real Answer ++

Ceramic formula brake pads use ceramic compounds and copper fibers in place of the semi-metallic pad's steel fibers. This allows the ceramic pads to handle high brake temperatures with less heat fade, provide faster recovery after the stop, and generate less dust and wear on both the pads and rotors. And from a comfort standpoint, ceramic compounds provide much quieter braking.

Another characteristic that makes ceramic materials attractive is the absence of noticeable dust. All brake pads produce dust as they wear. The ingredients in ceramic compounds produce a light colored dust that is much less noticeable and less likely to stick to the wheels. Consequently, wheels and tires maintain a cleaner appearance longer.

Ceramic pads meet or exceed all original equipment standards for durability, stopping distance and noise. According to durability tests, ceramic compounds extend brake life compared to most other semi-metallic and organic materials and outlast other premium pad materials by a significant margin - with no sacrifice in noise control, pad life or braking performance.

Answer 2

ceramic brake pads