The differences between car disc brake pads made of semi-metallics, organics, ceramics, and NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic) Ceramic Enhanced formulations lie in their composition, performance characteristics, durability, and suitability for different driving conditions. Brake pads are classified by the composition of their friction material. There are three primary types of brake pads, including non-metallic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. Carbon fiber brakes are also becoming more commonplace in high-end applications.
Disc brake pads are made of friction-creating materials. When the brake pedal is pressed, the hydraulic pistons push the brake pads against both sides of the flat surface of the brake rotor, creating enough friction to stop the vehicle.
The process of braking causes the pads and rotors to wear down slightly with each application of the brakes. This means that they will periodically wear down enough to affect the stopping power of your vehicle. When this happens, it is imperative that you replace them immediately.
Here is a breakdown of each type of car disc brake pads:
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
- Composition: Semi-metallic brake pads are made from a combination of metals, such as iron, copper, steel, and sometimes other materials like graphite or friction modifiers. They typically contain around 30-65% metal content by weight.
- Performance: Semi-metallic brake pads offer excellent stopping power, heat dissipation, and durability, making them well-suited for high-performance or heavy-duty applications. They provide strong braking performance across a wide range of temperatures and driving conditions.
- Characteristics: Semi-metallic brake pads may produce more noise and dust compared to other types of brake pads, and they can be more abrasive to brake rotors. However, advancements in pad formulations have helped reduce these issues in modern semi-metallic pads.
Organic Disc Brake Pads
- Composition: Organic brake pads, also known as non-metallic or non-asbestos organic (NAO) pads, are made from a mixture of organic materials such as rubber, carbon, and aramid fibers, along with binding resins.
- Performance: Organic brake pads provide smooth and quiet braking performance, with low noise and minimal brake dust. They are suitable for everyday driving and light to moderate braking applications, such as city driving or commuting.
- Characteristics: Organic brake pads tend to wear faster than semi-metallic or ceramic pads, especially under heavy braking or high-temperature conditions. They may also exhibit reduced performance and brake fade under extreme driving conditions.
Ceramic Disc Brake Pads
- Composition: Ceramic brake pads are made from a blend of ceramic materials, including ceramic fibers, non-ferrous fillers, and binding resins. They typically contain minimal amounts of metal content, if any.
- Performance: Ceramic brake pads offer excellent braking performance, with smooth and consistent stopping power, low noise, and minimal brake dust. They provide superior fade resistance and thermal stability compared to organic pads, making them suitable for high-temperature and heavy-duty applications.
- Characteristics: Ceramic brake pads are known for their long-lasting durability and rotor-friendly characteristics, as they produce less wear and tear on brake rotors compared to semi-metallic or organic pads. However, they may be more expensive than other types of brake pads.
NAO Ceramic Enhanced Formulations
- Composition: NAO Ceramic Enhanced formulations combine the characteristics of organic and ceramic brake pads, featuring a blend of organic materials with added ceramic components or enhancements.
- Performance: NAO Ceramic Enhanced formulations aim to provide the best of both worlds, offering smooth and quiet braking performance, low noise and dust, and improved thermal stability and durability. They may offer similar or slightly improved performance compared to traditional ceramic pads.
- Characteristics: NAO Ceramic Enhanced formulations aim to address the limitations of traditional organic pads, such as reduced performance under high-temperature conditions, while retaining the advantages of low noise and minimal dust.
Finally
Overall, the choice of car disc brake pads depends on factors such as driving habits, vehicle type, performance requirements, and personal preferences. Semi-metallic pads are suitable for high-performance applications, organic pads are ideal for everyday driving, ceramic pads offer superior durability and performance, and NAO Ceramic Enhanced formulations aim to provide a balance of performance and comfort. It is essential to choose brake pads that match your driving needs and budget while ensuring compatibility with your vehicle’s braking system.
