Semi Metallic Vs. Ceramic

Composition

• Semimetallic brake pads consist of a combination of organic and metallic pieces. Ceramic pads include both copper fibers and ceramic compounds. Ceramic brake pads were not introduced to the automotive industry until 1985.

Dust

• Semimetallic brake pads produce an abundance of brake dust, which can stick to wheels and cause an unsightly black buildup. Ceramic pads still produce dust, but in significantly lower amounts than their semimetallic counterparts.

Noise

• Semimetallic brake pads tend to be louder than ceramic brake pads. They heat up more quickly and cause noise as they rub against the rotors. The sound does not mean there is a problem with the brake system, but it can be an annoyance to drivers. Ceramic brake pads have less noise, and what noise they do produce is at levels outside the range of human hearing.

Cost and Longevity

• Ceramic brake pads cost more than semimetallic brake pads, but they also last longer, which may reduce your costs over time. In a comparison from a popular auto parts retailer at the time of publication, semimetallic brake pads cost $21, while the ceramic equivalents cost $48.