Which Brake Pads Are Best for My Vehicle?

When it comes time to put new brake pads on your car, you’ll have a few choices to make, but the one that probably makes the biggest difference is the type of friction material you choose. The friction material is the part of the pads that makes direct contact with the brake rotors to slow your wheels and bring your vehicle to a stop.


A few decades ago, manufacturers moved away from using asbestos as brake pad friction material, and three other main types have been developed: organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. Many modern vehicles come equipped with semi-metallic or ceramic pads from the factory, and it’s not uncommon for drivers to upgrade to semi-metallic or ceramic pads when it’s time to change brakes (if an upgrade is available). Here’s a quick look at the features and benefits of organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic brake pads.


Organic Brake Pads

organic brake pads

Upside:
These brake pads are often the most affordable option, and they’re quieter than other pads. They also aren’t as hard on your rotors, so it’s possible you could get by with simply having your rotors “turned” when you replace your pads, rather than replacing rotors as well.

Downside:
You’ll get a lot of black brake dust with organic pads. It’s possible to see buildup on your wheels that can be difficult to remove if you don’t clean your wheels regularly. You probably won’t get as many miles out of organic pads as you would semi-metallic or ceramic, and they may not dissipate heat as well as other formulations.

Actual Materials:
Organic pads can be made from a combination of glass, Kevlar, carbon, rubber or fiberglass, bonded with heat-resistant resin.

Recommendation:
If you’re easy on brakes, do mostly highway driving or just want the most cost-effective option, organic pads could be perfect for you.
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Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

semimetallic brakebest select brake pads

Upside:
These brake pads are great at transferring heat and are durable enough to be used for heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs. Their performance doesn’t fade as quickly as organic pads, and their low-dust formula makes them cleaner than organic pads.

Downside:
Semi-metallic pads can be noisy, and are usually the hardest on rotors. This can cause hot spots or rotor warping that may require earlier rotor replacement.

Actual Materials:
Semi-metallic brake pads are made with a compound of iron, steel, and graphite.

Recommendation:
If you drive a large vehicle, truck or SUV—or perhaps even a performance vehicle—semi-metallic pads could be the best choice for you.
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Ceramic Pads

ceramic cutaway brake pad example

Upside:
In comparison with semi-metallic pads, ceramic pads are quieter, cleaner, easier on rotors, and tend to last longer. This makes them great for performance vehicles and daily drivers alike, since they tend to provide the most consistent and longest-lasting performance of any brake pad formulation.

Downside:
Ceramic pads are typically the most expensive, and depending on what you drive (or what type of friction material your car, truck, or SUV came equipped with from the factory), they may not be as readily available.

Actual Materials:
These pads are made of stacked glass ceramic fibers, bonding agents, and traces of various metals.

Recommendation:
If you’re looking for the very best in brake pad formulation—and they’re available for your vehicle—ceramic brake pads are the way to go.
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So, if you’re a casual driver who wants to save a couple bucks, organic pads might be perfect; if you drive a truck or SUV, semi-metallic pads will give you the miles and stopping power you need; and if you want the top-of-the-line, longest-lasting brake pads, ceramic pads are for you. If it is time for new brakes, O’Reilly Auto Parts offers a full selection of BrakeBest brake pads in all three types.


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