Organic

Organic Pads are composed of various fibers mixed with binding resins to hold them together. Some common materials used in organic brake pads include glass, fiber, rubber, carbon and Kevlar.

Semi Metallic

Semi Metallic Pads are the most versatile style available, with the slight compromise being more noise and dust. They are also longer lasting and more durable, and their metallic composition can help draw heat away from the rotor and aid in more efficient brake cooling.

Ceramic

Ceramic Pads are composed of a dense ceramic material with embedded copper fibers. In use since the 1980s, ceramic pads were developed as an alternative replacement for organic and semi-metallic brake pads. Ceramic pads are generally easier on rotors than semi-metallic pads.

PROS

• Soft, quiet, easy on rotors
• Don’t require much heat to generate good friction
• Produce less dust than metallic pads

CONS

• Only operate well within a relatively limited temperature range
• Wear out quickly compared to other types of brake pads

PROS

• Dramatically increased braking performance over organic pads
• Have a higher thermal threshold due to metallic content
• Have a wider operating range (temperature)
• More resistant to brake fade than organic pads

CONS

• Tend to be noisier than organic or ceramic pads
• Produce more brake dust
• More abrasive than other types of pads ? will wear brake rotors more quickly

PROS

• Quieter than semi-metallic pads ? emit noises that are above the range of human hearing
• Longer lifespan than organic or semi-metallic
• Stable under a wide range of temperatures for consistent performance

CONS

• Typically the most-expensive type of brake pad
• Do not produce as much cold bite as semi-metallic pads ? may not be ideal in extremely cold climates
• Do not absorb heat as well as semi-metallic pads which can increase brake system temperatures