Your car’s braking system is the most critical component for your safety. You and other drivers and pedestrians could be saved if your car is able to come to a complete stop when you apply the brake pedal.
As a result, it’s critical to maintain a properly functioning braking system at all times. Despite the fact that they are one of the most critical parts of a car, most individuals have only a cursory understanding of them.
Brake pads are the parts of the braking system that make direct contact with the rotor. Your vehicle will come to a halt as a result of this component’s friction.
Brake pads wear out quickly because of the critical task they perform, thus they must be replaced frequently. Buying brake pads that are constructed of high-quality and long-lasting materials is essential.
Many materials are used to make brake pads, however ceramic and carbon fiber are now preferred by the majority of drivers. You’re thinking about getting new brake pads for your automobile and you’ve narrowed it down to ceramic or carbon fiber?
Then this is the correct spot for you. We’ll go through the pros and cons of both types of brake pads in this post so you can make an educated selection. In the mean time, I’ll get right to it.
What are ceramic brake pads?
It’s easy to guess what kind of material ceramic brake pads are made of just by looking at their name.
Ceramic brake pads, on the other hand, are far more durable and long-lasting. Durability and efficiency in providing quick stoppage have propelled the use of ceramic brake pads since they were first created in the early 1980s.
Aside from copper fibers, ceramic brake pads also contain other materials that contribute to their friction. Ceramic brake pads, on the other hand, are extremely effective in icy circumstances. The copper fiber also aids in the removal of heat from the system.
With ceramic brake pads, noise levels are significantly lower than those of other types of pads. In addition, unlike other types of brake pads, these ones don’t collect a lot of dust.
What are carbon fiber brake pads?
Carbide and fiber brake pads are made of these materials. Carbon fiber brake pads are also extremely robust and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making them ideal for high-performance vehicles.
It is also worth noting that they fade at a slower rate. Towing vehicles, police cars, and heavy load vehicles are the most common applications for carbon fiber brake pads because of their endurance and performance under difficult situations.
As a result of their remarkable stopping power, excellent thermal conductivity, and temperature stability, carbon fiber brake pads were originally created for aviation.
Differences between ceramic vs. carbon fiber brake pads
Today, ceramic and carbon fiber brake pads are the most often used type of brake pads. Despite the fact that they accomplish the same goal, they differ significantly. The difference between these two types of brake pads will be explained in this section.
Noise level
When applying the brakes, ceramic brake pads produce a lower level of noise than carbon fiber brake pads.
There is little to no sound made by ceramic brake pads when the brake is applied. There are certain drawbacks to carbon fiber brake pads, such as the fact that they are louder when the emergency brakes are engaged.
Durability
Durability is another another noteworthy difference between the two. In terms of long-term performance, carbon fiber brake pads are the clear winner. You won’t have to replace them for a long time because they are so durable. As a result, they are most commonly seen in high-performance automobiles and heavy-duty vehicles.
Ceramic brake pads, on the other hand, are strong, but they tend to wear out far more quickly than carbon fiber brake pads. Ceramic brake pads are less effective in dissipating heat from the rotor, which causes them to wear out more quickly. Since the heat is transferred to the brake pads, they wear out much more quickly.
Heat management
Carbon fiber brake pads are superior in terms of heat control. They can withstand higher temperatures and yet conduct heat well. Even as rotors and pads heat up, carbon fiber performs even better.
As a result, racing cars with quickly heating brakes frequently employ them. They have outstanding temperature control properties and perform exceptionally well in extremely hot conditions.
In terms of temperature control, ceramic brake pads aren’t all that great. They wear out quickly because they are not effective at absorbing heat.
Costs
Ceramic brake pads are the most expensive on the market, costing anywhere from $60 to $100 per set. This is due to the high manufacturing costs.
Then again, they’re also quite long-lasting. It is less expensive to make carbon fiber brake pads than ceramic brake pads, hence they are more accessible. Their typical price ranges from $25 to $60 per item.
Weight
For this reason, ceramic brake pads are denser than other types of brake pads. Carbon fiber brake pads are significantly lighter, weighing on average 15 pounds less than steel brake pads.
So, which brake pads should I choose?
It is clear from the information above that these two types of brake pads are distinct from one another. Both have distinguishing characteristics that set them apart.
This means that you should analyze your specific needs before making a choice between the two, and then choose the one that offers the most features that you want.
Because of its amazing heat management, ability to perform in harsh situations, and great stopping force, carbon fiber braking pads are the perfect choice for racing cars and heavy load vehicles.
Ceramic brake pads, on the other hand, are an excellent option if you’re searching for brake pads that can withstand standard driving conditions while being quiet and durable.
While carbon fiber brake pads are more expensive, they’re also more durable, lighter, and better at managing heat. They’re also better suited for both everyday driving and racing, as they’re more suited to harsh situations.
