Brake pads are undeniably an important part of your vehicle's braking system because they provide the friction that allows you to stop your car safely and smoothly every time you hit the brake. Invented in the 1890, the early pads were made of copper, and some other materials were introduced over time as our technology started to advance. Asbestos material was commonly used because it was inexpensive and produced less noise when stopping the vehicle. In short, it was preferable because of good heat management and durability. Unfortunately, all of the dust emitted by asbestos pads causes environmental and health issues, so manufacturers hoped to come up with a new, safer and more effective alternative.
Organic pads were developed to replace the asbestos brake pads with use of some environmentally friendly and less pollutants. They are ‘greener’ and effective, but they rapidly wear out and perform best to a certain range of temperature. After that, semi-metallic brake pads were introduced. They are extremely effective at dispersing heat and have a long lifespan. However, they are noisy, produce denser dust, and wear down brake rotors quickly.
Nowadays, ceramic brake pads are in the spotlight because they come with more beneficial aspects than its precedents. They are made of a long-lasting ceramic composition that is typically supported with additional materials, such as carbon, silicon and copper fiber to improve friction and heat control. This type of ceramic brake pad was created as an alternative to the semi-metallic brake pads which tend to have a rough sound. Here are some pros of using ceramic brake pads:
- The sound produced is less than semi-metallic materials
- Produce less and light-colored dust and other particles over time as they wear down
- Has a longer lifespan than semi-metal / organic materials
- Good heat resistance on a wider temperature range and driving conditions
Despite its numerous advantages, the decision of upgrading into ceramic brake pads comes back to your vehicle and driving needs. If you have a high-performance sports car, or if you drive it like one of them and frequently hard braking, semi-metallic brake pads are probably the best option. If you spend a lot of commuting in the city, a solid ceramic brake pad could be the best choice. If you don't put a lot of miles on your car, an organic brake pad could be the finest, most cost-effective alternative for you.
Interested in switching your current brake pads to ceramic brake pads? Give it a try to our CBK X-Cross for your ultimate driving experience.
