When it comes to vehicle safety, few components are as critical as your brake pads. But not all brake pads are created equal. From daily driving to performance track days, different types of brake pads offer unique benefits—and drawbacks—depending on their materials, design, and purpose.
In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of brake pads, compare how they perform in terms of noise, durability, dust output, and cost, and help you decide which ones are best suited for your driving style and vehicle needs. Whether you’re navigating stop-and-go city traffic or tearing up a racetrack, understanding your brake pads can significantly impact your braking efficiency, comfort, and long-term maintenance costs.
Types of Brake Pads: Overview
What Are Brake Pads?
Brake pads are a vital part of your vehicle’s disc brake system, which uses friction to slow and stop your car. When you press the brake pedal, the caliper clamps the brake pads against the rotor (also known as a brake disc), converting kinetic energy into heat and halting your motion.
Because they’re the contact point between the braking system and the rotor, brake pads experience significant wear and tear over time. Choosing the right pad ensures better braking power, improved safety, and enhanced brake life.
Why Brake Pad Type Matters
The type of brake pad you choose affects more than just stopping distance. It influences:
- Noise levels and comfort
- Rotor wear and brake maintenance
- Dust accumulation on wheels
- Durability and temperature resistance
- Overall cost and value
A proper brake pad comparison can make a real difference in both safety and satisfaction behind the wheel.
Organic Brake Pads (Non-Asbestos Organic – NAO)
Composition and Features
Organic brake pads—also known as NAO pads—are made from a mixture of natural materials such as rubber, fiberglass, Kevlar, and resin. Importantly, they don’t contain asbestos, a harmful material once common in brake systems.
These pads are softer than other types and generate less brake dust, making them a popular choice for everyday commuting. They provide smooth braking performance and are gentle on brake rotors.
Pros and Cons of Organic Brake Pads
Pros:
- Quiet operation and low brake noise
- Minimal vibration
- Easy on the rotor, extending rotor lifespan
- Affordable
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan
- Not effective under heavy braking or high temperature
- Less ideal for high-speed or performance vehicles
Best For: Light vehicles, city drivers, and those looking for budget-friendly pads with comfort and low noise.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Composition and Features
These are among the most commonly used brake pad types, especially in performance and heavy-duty vehicles. They are made up of 30–70% metal components like steel, copper, and iron, mixed with resin binders.
This formula gives them excellent braking power, even at high temperatures, and makes them highly durable under tough conditions.
Pros and Cons of Semi-Metallic Pads
Pros:
- Superior stopping power
- Perform well in both hot and cold environments
- Long lifespan
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- Produce more brake dust
- Harsher on rotors
Best For: Trucks, SUVs, and drivers who need a balance of power and longevity. Great for towing, off-road use, and performance applications.
Ceramic Brake Pads
Composition and Features
Ceramic brake pads are crafted from dense ceramic fibers, bonding agents, and small amounts of copper fibers. This advanced design results in pads that are cleaner, quieter, and more consistent in performance.
They excel at handling moderate to high temperature, produce minimal dust, and are gentle on wheels and rotors.
Pros and Cons of Ceramic Brake Pads
Pros:
- Very low brake dust
- Quieter and smoother operation
- Last longer with minimal wear
- Consistent performance in varied conditions
Cons:
- More expensive
- Can be harsh under heavy loads or towing
- Not always ideal for cold climates or extreme performance
Best For: Luxury vehicles, daily drivers who value comfort, and anyone seeking long-lasting pads with clean, quiet braking.
Read More: Ceramic Brake Pads Lifespan
Low-Metallic NAO Brake Pads
Composition and Features
These pads are a hybrid between organic and semi-metallic brake pads, featuring organic materials combined with a small percentage of metal such as copper or steel to improve heat transfer and friction.
They offer a middle ground in terms of performance and price.
Pros and Cons of Low-Metallic NAO Pads
Pros:
- Better braking power than organic pads
- Improved performance under moderate stress
Cons:
- Higher brake noise
- Moderate levels of brake dust
- Slightly more rotor wear
Best For: Drivers who want better performance without paying premium prices. A good all-around solution for daily use with occasional heavy demands.
Performance Brake Pads (Track or Racing Pads)
Composition and Features
Performance brake pads are designed for high-speed, track driving, and aggressive use. They are typically made from carbon, metallic, or ceramic-based materials engineered to handle extreme temperatures.
These pads maintain consistent braking power even during intense use, such as repeated high-speed braking.
Pros and Cons of Performance Pads
Pros:
- Incredible durability
- Outstanding performance under heat
- Short stopping distances
Cons:
- Very noisy
- High brake dust
- Not ideal for daily driving
- Expensive
Best For: Sports cars, racing, or aggressive drivers needing the highest levels of braking confidence on the track.
How to Choose the Right Brake Pads for Your Vehicle
Consider Your Driving Style
Do you commute in stop-and-go traffic or hit the highway daily? Do you tow or go off-road? Are you a weekend racer? Your driving style greatly influences your ideal brake pad:
- City driving: Look for organic or ceramic pads
- Heavy-duty or towing: Choose semi-metallic
- Track use: Go for performance pads
Consider Your Vehicle Type
Your vehicle’s size, weight, and braking system also matter:
- Compact cars: Best with organic or ceramic pads
- SUVs and trucks: Need semi-metallic or low-metallic NAO pads
- Performance cars: Require ceramic or racing brake pads
Consider Budget and Maintenance
Different pads also mean different long-term costs. If you want low maintenance and cleaner wheels, choose ceramic. If you’re looking to save upfront, organic brake pads are affordable but may wear quickly. For a mix of both, low-metallic NAO can be a smart compromise.
Brake Pad Performance Comparison Table
| Brake Pad Type | Noise | Dust | Longevity | Best Use Case |
| Organic | Low | Low | Low | Daily city driving |
| Semi-Metallic | Medium | High | High | General use, SUVs, trucks |
| Ceramic | Very Low | Low | Very High | Luxury cars, daily drivers |
| Low-Metallic NAO | Medium | Medium | Medium | Blended needs |
| Performance/Racing | High | High | Very High | Track & high-speed driving |
Frequently Asked Questions About Brake Pads
Which brake pads last the longest?
Ceramic brake pads typically last the longest due to their hard, wear-resistant material. However, performance pads can also be durable under specific conditions.
Are ceramic brake pads worth the money?
Yes—if you want quiet operation, minimal brake dust, and long-term value, they’re often worth the higher cost.
Can I mix different types of brake pads?
It’s not recommended. Mixing pad types can lead to uneven wear and unpredictable braking. Always use the same pad type on both sides of an axle.
How do I know when to replace brake pads?
Common signs include:
- Screeching or squealing noise
- Visible wear (less than ¼ inch pad left)
- Vibration when braking
- Reduced stopping power
Do better brake pads stop your car faster?
Yes. Pads with higher friction ratings—like semi-metallic or performance pads—typically offer better stopping distances, especially at high speeds or under load.
Final Thoughts: Which Type of Brake Pad Should You Use?
For daily driving, organic or ceramic brake pads offer quiet, smooth performance—ceramic lasting longer with less dust. Semi-metallic pads are ideal for heavier vehicles or more demanding driving. Low-metallic NAO pads balance cost and performance, while performance pads are best left for the track. Choose based on your vehicle, driving style, and budget.
We Can Provide These Brake Pads
Zohama is a Japanese brand under HallCrow International, specializing in OEM-quality automotive components with a strong focus on advanced brake pad solutions. From organic and low-metallic NAO to semi-metallic and ceramic brake pads, Zohama offers precision-engineered options for every vehicle and driving style. With offices in Japan, Germany, China, and Canada, we provide fast global support and reliable performance wherever you are.
