Buying brake pads is a relatively simple task. Still, that doesn't mean you don't need to know at least a little bit about what you're going to do in order to make the right choice. Before you start, take a look at some key considerations below to master the process.
organic
Non-asbestos organic (NAO), or simply organic, pad compounds are easier on the rotor and also more affordable than other products. However, this comes at the expense of pad life. These pads are not designed to handle heavy braking. They also generate a lot of brake dust. They can be a good option for builders looking to keep costs low, but you're better off opting for pads that use other friction materials.
Metallic
Moving to semi-metallic or metal brake pads is where pad performance starts to pick up. Semi-metal brake pads with a metal content of 30-60% are most commonly found in street applications. These pads provide better performance and pad life. More metal improves these aspects, which also makes the brake pads harder on the rotors and increases brake dust. Brake pads with a high metal content are an excellent choice for racing, motorcycle and powersports applications, but are a bit too aggressive for everyday driving purposes.
ceramics
Ceramic brake pads are becoming more and more popular. These compounds are beneficial in their ability to combine driver values in terms of performance, durability and comfort. The exact mixture varies by manufacturer, but the name comes from the use of kiln-fired ceramics in the brake pads. An interesting feature of these brake pads is that when they make noise, it is usually at a frequency that cannot be detected by the human ear. As you might expect, these are the most expensive of the bunch, but many feel the extra cost is a fair trade-off for all the benefits.
Post time: Apr-17-2023
