It’s possible that the brake pads are the single most crucial component of your car’s braking system. That’s what we’re saying because nobody can safely operate a vehicle without working brakes.
Brake pads are a key component of disc brakes, together with the caliper and rotor, in bringing a vehicle to a stop when applied. Their job is straightforward: they grip the disc and prevent it from rotating, bringing the vehicle to a halt. These parts must be resistant to wear and tear from friction since they function when the vehicles are being driven at high speeds. This is the unfortunate cause of brake pad wear. Eventually, you’ll need to get a new set of brake pads to keep your braking system in good working order.
Many varieties of brake pads exist, each with its own set of advantages. Ceramic brake pads are increasingly preferred by many drivers. Everything you need to know about these and other kinds of brake pads can be found in this article. We will discuss the longevity of various brake pad materials and provide an answer to the question, “How long do ceramic brake pads last?”
Okay, so let’s begin.
Different Types Of Brake Pads
There are four kinds of brake pads on the market. We’ll go into depth on each of these topics.
Semi-Metallic
Its metal content is indicated by its name, which ranges from 30% to 65%. You can expect great stopping power and long life from this brake pad.
In most cases, these are less expensive than alternatives like ceramic pads. The semi-metallic brake pads operate well and are inexpensive, but they are not as durable or comfortable. These brake pads are typically louder than others and cannot survive temperatures below zero. These pads are optimized for high-performance vehicles like race cars.
NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic) Low-Metallic
Low-metallic, non-asbestos organic brake pads are the next readily accessible option. If you’re set on a copper or steel construction for its superior heat transfer and braking performance, this is the way to go. It’s a low-cost alternative that stands the test of time.
However, these brake pads can be loud and they produce a lot of pollution-causing brake dust.
Non-Asbestos Organic
We’ve discussed the squeaky brake pads; now what are our options? The organic, non-asbestos, brake pad is the next best thing on the market. These brake pads are similar to the one we talked about earlier, but instead of copper and steel, they use organic materials like glass, fiber kevlar, and rubber.
NAOs are cheap and silent, but they don’t hold up as well as their metal counterparts. NAO brake pads wear out quickly and emit a lot of brake dust, so you’ll need to replace them frequently.
Ceramic
The most well-liked choice is shown last. When compared to conventional brake pads, ceramic ones have no flaws. They can withstand wear and tear, are silent, have low dust levels, and work with a wide variety of vehicles. The price is the only possible downside. Ceramic brake pads are far more costly than their non-ceramic counterparts. Still, given how long they last, it seems like a reasonable compromise.
The competition can’t compare to the gentleness and reliability of ceramic brake pads. They may be installed on almost any car or truck, including luxury models, with the exception of flashy supercars and commercial vehicles.
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
After determining which brake pads would work best for your vehicle, you may wonder how long they will last before they need to be replaced. The average lifespan of brake pads is between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Some brake pads can last up to 100,000 miles, however, this depends on a number of factors.
The lifespan of a brake pad might vary depending on its material and how well it is cared for. Most brake pads have a 30,000-mile lifespan, after which you should get them inspected. To keep your brakes working for a long time, use brake fluid every 25,000 miles.
How long do ceramic brake pads last?
Ceramic brake pads are typically seen in higher-end vehicles due to their higher price.
They’re pricey, but their long lifespan justifies the investment. Furthermore, they have a lifespan of up to 75,000 miles with regular maintenance. Obviously, the way you drive has a significant impact on how long they last. But in comparison to other brake types, these endure the longest.
Carbon-ceramic brake pads can easily last up to 80,000 miles before needing to be replaced, but their lack of performance-oriented suitability means they are best avoided. Because of how long they endure and how much money you will save in the end, the initial investment is well worth it.
When Do Ceramic Brake Pads Need to be Replaced?
Changing the brake pads at the recommended intervals is important for the vehicle’s longevity and the driver’s safety. The vast majority of motorists do not record their mileage when they replace their brake pads. The following symptoms mean it’s time to get new brake pads:
- When you apply the brakes, a screaming or screeching noise will occur. The brake pads have worn down to the point that the metal backing plate is grinding against the steel, causing the noise. The metal backing plate serves as a warning to the driver that the part needs to be replaced.
- The brake pad’s friction substance should be at least a quarter of an inch thick, as measured when the wheel is opened for inspection. If it’s less than that, you need to replace the pad before it causes serious problems for your brakes.
- New brake pads should be installed immediately if a rumbling metallic sound is present. This is because substantial harm can be done to your vehicle by the backing metal of the brake pad rubbing against the disc brake.
- Indicator lights are the simplest means of determining whether to replace brake pads. Indicator lights in some vehicles make it easy to see when brake pads should be changed.
What is the average price of ceramic brake pads?
The high cost of ceramic brake pads is a major disadvantage. A ceramic brake pad can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000, whereas a semi-metallic or organic pad can be purchased for $30 to $50. The cost of labor is not included here. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) can cost upwards of $21,000, making it one of the most costly brake pads available.
Due to the high level of skill and care required during production, ceramic brake pads are over one hundred times more expensive. While brake discs made of iron or steel may be easily melted and molded to specifications, ceramic composite brake discs need significantly more time and work to create.
Ceramic brake pads have a laborious production process. Nonetheless, it results in high-quality brakes that can last you a long time while maintaining a healthy brake system.
Why choose Ceramic Pads
Despite their high price tag, installing ceramic brake pads offers a number of benefits for your vehicle. Among these benefits are:
- Brake pads constructed from ceramic composite make very little to no additional noise when applied. However, this is not the case with semi-metallic brake pads, which produce an unpleasant noise whenever they are used.
- The most significant problem with organic brake pads and NAO is the brake dust they generate. Wearing ceramic-composite brake pads generates less brake dust than conventional pads.
- Ceramic brake pads are more durable and reliable in high-temperature situations than their semi-metallic and NAO counterparts.
- Ceramic brake pads last nearly twice as long as organic ones, which means fewer trips to the mechanic over time.
Conclusion
Different automobiles require different kinds of brake pads. Several alternatives exist for brake pads, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. If you’re willing to invest a little more, ceramic brake pads are the most dependable and hassle-free option.
In addition to preserving your complete braking system, these brake pads provide a quality feel when driving and last a long time.
Make sure the friction plate on your new brakes is not worn and that the pads are the correct thickness before installing them. In addition, have an expert install your brake pads. The disc braking system is vulnerable to damage if the brake pad is improperly installed.
