Difference Between Brake Pad Materials? What Are Brake Pads Made Of? Car Brake Pads and Rotors!

Semi-metallic, ceramic, organic? Do you know the differences between these brake pad types? Do you know which you should buy for your car or truck? In this video, Sue teaches you the differences in brake pad materials, and what it means for your application. Semi-metallic brake pads are mainly composed of different metals, while ceramic brake pads are almost entirely ceramic material. Semi-metallic brake pads give off more brake dust, and can cause excessive noise if your brake calipers are aluminum, so semi-metallic pads are better paired with steel brake calipers. Ceramic brake pads give off less dust and make less noise with aluminum brake calipers. Which pad is right for you? Watch the video to find out!

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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[DocMackGarage]

The thumbnail looks like someone eating dinner. Nice video.

[fostermckeon]

You are so good! I had questions before this video now I have none.

[freecheese]

This is what I was looking for all over. I'm always interested in the videos she makes. Both the genuine presentation and the knowledge.

[stevanrose]

Thanks for the video on brakes. I have been doing brakes on my cars and trucks for years. But it’s still good to learn about the components of what’s available out there.

[dawnrobbins]

Good morning! I learned something today! The only thing I knew about brakes was about the pedal location!

[peterjohnson]

Seems I did the right choice when I got the semi-metallic pads for my car. I got interested in ceramic pads when you mentioned "less brake dust" (I just got new rims and they do require once-a-month-or-two spraydowns with a rim cleaning agent to keep their shine), but when I looked up the characteristics they're not as well suited to driving aggressively and/or in cold climates. I live in a hilly region in the arctic circle. I'll just deal with the brake dust and replace the rotors once they're past their prime.

[kandy]

I love the video my coworker was told ceramic was better for her car and we wanted conformation!!!

[latonyajackson]

Best explanation of the differences in pads!

[thwaller]

Performance vehicles also benefit from semi metallic pads. They perform far better under stress, which is common for a performance vehicle. Ceramics are good universal pads, but if you have, as you suggested a towing vehicle, but also a performance, aka sports car, you want semi metallic. My opinion.

[MrJusduit]

Wow you are so Great explaining things! Weird Never had Mechanic explain things well besides you!

[maureendavison]

👍Thank you! Very clear and thorough about pads and rotors.

[davidlyons]

Well done enjoyed your presentation. I now know way more about brakes and rotors . That was fun to watch thanks.

[boydlondon]

Great video. Brakes are the big mystery out there. This was of tremendous help. Now for the question of the day(decade).

I need more grip on my rotors to shorten my stopping distance. The question has always been pad composition. I have a 74 Cutlass. Factory brakes. Front/rear bias adjustment. Still leaves some lack of grab in an emergency braking situation. I feel the fronts are not "pulling their weight".

So, semi metallic is what I understand. Brake dust is not a concern if I can just stop it.

Are their various types/grades of semi-metallics that grab better than others?

[deionhughes]

Ceramic pads are starting to become popular on more and more newer vehicles, not just the luxury ones.

[clbe]

I try organic and car is loaded 1 hour pure downhill. And its good in rotor. No brake fading.

Metallic heat rotors did a grooves in my rotor. When it glazed and it melt. Metallic leaves a groove.

[victormendoza]

Good to get knowledge about it thank you very much for great information

[Pwj]

Great video thanks!!! Love your enthusiasm!

[garnellwalls]

Great video great content learned a lot thank you. Please keep them coming.

[aves]

Hi Sue, we need a skin care routine plssss queen!

[dudeofsteel]

What are the odds that I had this exact question a couple days ago and this gets uploaded?