John ButlerDo you need to replace your brake pads? Are you trying to decide between organic brake pads and metallic brake pads? Are you trying to find out which type of brake pads lasts longer? The short answer is metallic brake pads last longer than organic brake pads. Read on for the long answer.
Why Metallic Brake Pads Last Longer Than Organic Brake Pads
Considering all things being equal, harder brake pad formulations last longer. It’s because the brake pad friction material isn’t wearing down as much. Metallic brake pads have harder brake pad formulations than organic brake pads. Let’s say you have two sets of brake pads of the same quality – one set is metallic, and the other set is organic. The metallic set will last longer than the organic set.
Between 30% and 70% of a metallic brake pad formulation contains metals, which may include:
- Copper
- Iron
- Steel
- Other composite alloys
The remaining materials include graphite lubricant and other fillers. This combination results in a firm brake pad friction material.
Organic brake pads are also called semi-metallic or resin pads. They contain far less metals than metallic pads. This results in a much softer compound. That’s why organic pads wear down faster than metallic pads.
Metallic Brake Pads Cost A Little Bit More Than Organic Brake Pads
Brake pad manufacturers often base their pricing on the durability of their pads. That’s why metallic brake pads usually cost more than organic brake pads. Considering all things being equal in terms of quality, metallic brake pads cost more than organic pads.
Are Metallic Brake Pads Always Better Than Organic Brake Pads?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want brake pads that last a long time, get metallic pads (or ceramic pads). If you’re looking for quieter brake pads, get organic pads. It’s also smart to consider your rotors, too. Which type of brake pads are the most compatible with your rotors?
Let’s go over the pros and cons of each type of brake pad:
The Pros And Cons Of Metallic Brake Pads
The pros and cons of metallic brake pads are as follows:
- Metallic pads last longer than organic pads.
- Metals are a great conductor of heat. That’s why metallic brake pads can withstand more heat and help cool down the braking system faster.
- Metallic pads can perform well in a wider range of temperatures and conditions.
- Metallic pads don’t compress as much as organic brakes. That means the brakes react more quickly when you step on the pedal.
- Metallic pads produce more brake dust than organic and ceramic pads.
- Metallic pads are noisier than organic pads.
- Metallic pads can wear rotors more quickly
The Pros And Cons Of Organic Brake Pads
The pros and cons of organic brake pads are as follows:
- Organic brake pads are quieter than metallic pads.
- Organic brake pads produce less dust than metallic pads.
- Organic brake pads offer a great initial bite during braking.
- Organic brake pads fade faster than metallic or ceramic brake pads.
- Organic brake pads don’t perform as well as metallic pads in wet conditions.
Organic brake pads are good for daily driving, not performance driving.
The Longevity Of Your Brake Pads Depends On Several Different Factors
In this comparison guide, we based our analysis on the idea that everything is equal:
- The quality of the metallic brake pads and the organic brake pads
- Your driving style
- Rotor compatibility
But the truth is, not all metallic brake pads last longer than organic brake pads. A high quality set of organic brake pads may last longer than a low quality set of metallic brake pads. So brake pad quality is another important factor in the longevity of your brake pads. Other factors include:
- Your driving style: Your pads will wear out faster if you brake hard a lot, or drive in stop and go traffic often.
- Rotor compatibility: Your pads will wear out faster if you use rotors that are too hard for them. Alternatively, if your rotors are too soft for your pads, the pads can wear down the rotors quickly.
If you want brake pads that last a long time, get a high quality set. At BuyBrakes.com, we make a point to only carry high quality brake pads by reputable brands. Check out our selection of high quality metallic and organic brake pads here!
