Which is better, ceramic or metal brake pads?

Brake pads are undoubtedly one of the most important safety components in car maintenance. Among the many types of brake pads, ceramic brake pads and metal brake pads are the two most common categories. For ordinary car owners, a key question often arises: which type of brake pad is better? Actually, there is no absolute superiority or inferiority between the two; rather, each has its unique characteristics and applicable scenarios.

1. Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads excel in comfort due to their material properties. Their main advantages include:

(1) Excellent Noise Reduction
Ceramic material itself has sound-absorbing properties, resulting in less noise generated during braking, with almost no harsh braking sound. This is ideal for those who prioritize driving comfort.

(2) Less Brake Dust and Lighter Color
The brake dust produced by ceramic brake pads is fine and close to light gray, making it less likely to adhere to the wheel rim and less visually noticeable. This means cleaner rims and easier vehicle maintenance.

(3) Long Service Life and Less Wear
Ceramic materials have high wear resistance and can maintain stable performance over long-term use, therefore their lifespan is usually longer than that of ordinary metal brake pads.

(4) Stable Heat Fading Performance
Ceramic brake pads exhibit low heat fade under high-temperature conditions, maintaining stable braking force under normal urban road and high-speed driving conditions.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Brake Pads
The higher price is the main reason why many car owners hesitate.
The initial braking effect is not as "firm" as metal pads, requiring slightly deeper pressure to achieve the desired braking effect.
Not suitable for high-load, extreme high-temperature driving (such as on a racetrack).

2. Metal Brake Pads
Metal brake pads are typically composed of metal materials such as iron powder, copper powder, and steel fibers, offering outstanding braking performance. Their characteristics are as follows:

(1) Strong Braking Performance and Good Initial Grip
Metal brake pads have stronger "grip" on the brake disc, resulting in a faster initial braking response. A light touch is sufficient to achieve noticeable braking force, making them ideal for aggressive driving or high-speed driving.

(2) Stronger High-Temperature Resistance
Metal materials have good heat resistance, making them less prone to heat fade under high-temperature conditions. Suitable for frequent braking on mountain roads, long distances, or high-speed, high-load driving.

(3) More Affordable Price
Compared to ceramic brake pads, metal brake pads are generally cheaper, making them a more acceptable choice for many car owners.

Disadvantages of Metal Brake Pads：
They are noisier, and may produce a sharp friction sound during braking.
They produce more and darker brake dust, which can easily turn the wheel rims black.
They accelerate brake disc wear, and may require replacement of brake discs after long-term use.

3. Which Brake Pads Are More Suitable for You?
The final choice depends on your driving habits and vehicle usage environment.
Ceramic brake pads are suitable for:
Primarily driving on city roads
Seeking a quiet, comfortable, and clean driving experience
Not frequently driving aggressively
Having a relatively sufficient budget
Desiring longer brake pad life and lower maintenance frequency
Ceramic brake pads are especially suitable for daily commuters in family cars and SUVs.

Suitable drivers for metal brake pads:
Frequently drive on mountain roads, highways, or long distances
Prefer stronger power and more sensitive initial response
Don't mind noise and brake dust
Have high requirements for high-temperature performance
Have a limited budget but need high-performance braking

Metal brake pads are more suitable for performance cars, pickup trucks, heavy vehicles, and users with an aggressive driving style.