Information on Ceramic Brake Pads

First appearing in the early 1990's, ceramic brake pads are a popular alternative to the traditional semi-metallic brake pads found on many vehicles. These ceramic brake pads, also known as organic brake pads, aim to cut down on the noise and wear associated with traditional brake pads.

Composition

Unlike traditional brake pads which are made mostly of metallic substances, ceramic brake pads contain a variety of materials including Kevlar and Twaron. Additionally, ceramic brake pads contain absolutely no steel wool or steel fibers and instead use copper to provide strength. Finally, the substances used to create ceramic brake pads must be completely asbestos-free.

Benefits

The use of ceramic brake pads provides numerous benefits including dust and noise reduction. Initially, the brake dust produced by ceramic brakes is lighter in color and different in composition, thus reducing the likelihood that brake dust will negatively impact the braking system. Additionally, the composition of ceramic brakes provides for reduced brake noise because the fibers within ceramic breaks emit a frequency that is inaudible to humans.

Limitations

Ceramic brakes are not compatible with every vehicle. While most automobiles could function with ceramic brakes in place, once a car has been fitted with semi-metallic brakes they should not be exchanged for ceramic brakes as the original braking system, including the caliper and the disc, may not function correctly if you change the type of brake pads. Additionally, large vehicles such as trucks and SUV's should not use ceramic brakes as they may not provide enough friction to bring the vehicle safely to a stop.