In the past, brake pads were made of one type of material – asbestos. At that time, it was the perfect material considering it has great heat absorption and dissipation properties.

As we already know by now, asbestos becomes a carcinogen when it gets released into the air, so manufacturers had to find an alternative right away. First came the non-asbestos organic brake pads, then ceramic and semi-metallic. Let’s talk about each one and let’s see which brake pad type is the best for your needs.

Non-Asbestos Organic

Due to the health issues presented by asbestos, manufacturers had to look for an alternative. They first turned their attention on other organic materials such as rubber, resin, kevlar, or fiber. While these materials are much safer than asbestos, they did not have the same heat absorption and dissipation properties. Not to mention they produced a lot of dust and was not as durable.

Newer variations added a little bit of metal to the mix but it only produced more dust, more noise, and didn’t solve the issue of durability. The best type of NAO material is kevlar but it’s too costly for everyday use.

NAO brake pads are suitable only for small-to-medium sized cars for city driving. Due to the limitations of NAOs, they are not recommended for heavy braking.

Ceramic Pads

On the other end of the durability and price spectrum from NAOs are Ceramic brake pads. Ceramic pads are made out of ceramic with some copper fibers. Compared to the others, ceramic pads are quieter, produce less dust, and causes less stress on the rotors. In almost all categories, ceramic pads are better than others. The only issues are that they cost a whole lot more than the others and their stopping power are much less compared to semi-metallic pads.

Due to their price, ceramic brake pads are usually used by individuals who are really passionate about their cars. These are the people who want only the best on their automobiles. While better in almost every way, ceramic pads lose much of their grip during colder climates.

Semi-Metallic Pads

If you bought your car sometime within the past few years, there’s a big chance you might be using semi-metallic brake pads on your car. The main benefit of semi-metallic pads is its durability. Depending on the type of pad you have, it might have from 35-65 percent metal in it. The type of metal can either be steel wool or iron/copper wire.

If you bought your car sometime within the past few years, there’s a big chance you might be using semi-metallic brake pads on your car. The main benefit of semi-metallic pads is its durability. Depending on the type of pad you have, it might have from 35-65 percent metal in it. The type of metal can either be steel wool or iron/copper wire.

In terms of stopping power, semi-metallic pads rank second to none. However, semi-metallic pads produce more dust and can be noisier. Semi-metallic pads also fare better in different climates.

Semi-metallic pads are usually installed in SUVs and bigger cars that need more stopping power. It’s also great for car owners who need all the braking power they need without breaking the bank.

Another thing worth noting with semi-metallic pads is that it needs to be properly installed in order to mitigate any damage it can cause to the rotors. While they last longer than the competition, they can cause more damage to your car if not installed by a professional.

Need help with picking out the right brake pad for your car? T3 Atlanta is a professional in everything car-related in Atlanta. Give us a visit today and we will show you how true professionals handle your concerns.