do I need to get the ceramic brake pads or are the cheap ones ok?

Question

do I need to get the ceramic brake pads or are the cheap ones ok?

Answer 1

I find through the years that wagner has made the better brakes that I have purchased, if you drive your car normally and dont race thats what I'd use, Bendix brand is good but has made niose when i used them and so is Raybestos. Other than that use the manufacturers pads, EG: DELCO for GM. Dont use cheap pads, just aint worth it!

Answer 2

Are you racing your car? If so, then the ceramic pads would be a good choice. If not, then good pads (don't have to be ceramic) would be okay. The cheap pads may make more noise and wear out sooner. Also, make sure you have your rotors turned or replaced! This will ensure the brakes work properly and last a long time. Also, most people don't realize that brake pads need to be broken in. Check with your mechanic or the pad manufacturer.

Answer 3

Okay, Without getting into all the technicalities, Here's your answer. While Eric F is right about having the same characteristics as organic pads and ceramics heating up faster and absorbing heat faster, you really need to look at what are the pro's to spending the extra money... Ceramics (b/c of the quicker heat displacement) will last a little longer they also emit less brake dust, therefore keeping your wheels a little cleaner than if you had semi-metallics. You really have to determine what your willing to put into the car (and RACING has nada to do with it!!!!) Ceramics are a great step up but you probably won't notice EXTREME differences in stopping once the pads break in (new pads always stop better than old one's :)



If you appreciate your car, and you want to spend less time dusting the wheels, go for a ceramic pad. (Looking for more pad life for your money? Invest in a some slotted and cross drilled rotors to go along with those pads (my brakes have lasted close to 2 years and I still have about 50% life left on them!!!!))

Answer 4

Ceramic pads have the same characteristics as organic pads. they are a softer pad and will in theory wearout faster.. as for stopping power, they will heat up faster and absorb heat faster than a semi-metallic. Semi-metallics are good for heavier cars like full size trucks & vans, as the metallics will heat up, it takes longer for them to get hot enough to emulsify and not work.

For brands, Bendix is very good, as is raybestos and Morse. All brake pads squeal. Period. Even with shim plates, you should still put a brake quiet lubricant on the back of the pads as a precautionary measure, and make sure the calipers are properly lubed with caliper grease.

What should you use? Whatever the manufacturer specs out.

original equipment brake pads aren't always as good as an aftermarket pad.

Answer 5

Always go with the better performance brake pads, which are usually the more expensive ones. You never know when you will need the better brakes in an emergency.



I have had ceramic brake pads on my truck for over five years and I cannot tell the difference in performance since they were new.

Answer 6

If you are a ordinary guy who doesn't go to race tracks and just drives on the road then you don't need any. Steel ones are fine. But if you are a boy racer and you do go to the track, you have to have fade-free ceramic brakes. They don't wear away and they stop the car faster.

Answer 7

Buy good pads. They will make a great difference when you stop. Just think of the times that even 3 extra feet would have been a new front end.