Ceramic vs Metallic Brake Pads

Those of you who use cars often have a very common question and that is which brake pad would be better for my car? Though the question is simple, the answer is quite complex because there are numerous types of brakes in the market and each is promoted as being the best.

Among all the brake pads that are more prevalent and popular, ceramic and metallic ones come first. But if asked which of these two will be best, then perhaps everyone will be immersed in a sea of thoughts.

Ceramic brakes are famous for their durability, low noise, and the ability to eliminate dust pollution whereas a metallic brake is good for its low price, heat conductivity as well as improved braking performance. So, we need to go through a detailed discussion and find out the differences between these two.

Ceramic vs Metallic Brake Pads | Who Wins the Race?

To decide which of the two is best, we need to consider these following points:

Brake Material

The ceramic pad is a blend of super-strong ceramic and copper fibers. The copper materials improve heat conductivity and frictional force. And metallic brakes are made of copper, iron, steel, or other composite alloys with graphite lubricant which ensures impressive braking in a wider range of temperatures and conditions.

Reducing Pollution

Ceramic brake pads are said to be nature friendly and far better than metallic brakes in the field of eliminating sound pollution and creating less dust. Ceramic brake creates no extra sound when it is applied and results in a dust-free vehicle. On the other hand, metallic brake pads are louder and make more black dust than any brake.

Heat Conductivity

Metallic brake pads are better heat conductors than the ceramic pads. A metallic pad can cool back more quickly. It draws more heat and holds it longer than ceramics. On the other hand, ceramics are almost like insulators. They pull less heat from the rotor and work as less effective heat sinks.

Price

The price difference between ceramic and metallic break pads is pretty high. Metallic brakes are cheap whereas ceramic brakes are very expensive mainly because of having ceramic materials. Metallic pad manufacturers use readily available metals and so, they can give it at a very low price. For that, people of all classes show interest in using it.

Easy to Control

Ceramic brake pads are well-engineered to handle higher brake temperatures and give faster reaction after any stop. It is softer and forms less damage to other parts of the braking system. However, metallic one cools the brake faster and has an effective grip and quality pads to work on rotors even in colder climates.

Versatility

A metallic pad can be used in heavy-duty trucks and highly-loaded vehicles. It uses very little time to warm up and so, it is best for any cold weather. On the other hand, ceramic brakes are used mainly for urban commuting, in a warmer climate, and low-loaded cars.

Friction Coefficient

An ideal brake pad’s friction coefficient is nearly 0.35 to 0.42. That means if you give 1000 Newtons of force on a pad, the brake will create a force of nearly 350 to 420 Newtons. Ceramic brakes have a friction coefficient of 0.37 to 0.38. However, metallic pads ensure 0.37 to 0.40. Thus, the friction coefficients of both pads are almost the same as an ideal one.

Durability

Ceramic products are long-lasting. Having ionic bonds with covalent bonds is the main reason behind it. On the other hand, metallic brake pads bear comparatively weaker metallic bonds. So, metallic pads are ductile, and ceramic brake pads are considered as lifetime brake pads.

Conclusion

A car without a brake pad is unimaginable. And these ceramic and metallic brakes dominate the entire market over the years. Metallic brakes are good for their consistent friction features and high performance in heavy- towing. Besides, ceramic pads continue to shine with less pollution, lightweight and fastest recovery while stopping the car.