You’ve decided to upgrade your car’s braking system, but you’re wondering—do brake pads even matter? I mean, pads are pads, right? As long as they fit well and aren’t worn out, any material will work just fine.

Well, not exactly.

To dive into this topic a bit more, let’s first talk about the reasons why brake pad material matters.

Why is Brake Pad Material Important?

There are three qualities that should be explored when it comes to brake pad options.

1. Material Determines Heat Resistance

When lower quality materials are used for brake pads, overheating can result in a “glazing over” in which a high sheen reduces the physical performance of the brakes, decreasing ability to safely stop. Brake fade – the temporary loss of braking power due to excessive heat – can also occur.

Materials that can withstand higher levels of heat, as well as dissipate heat adequately, will maintain a high level of braking performance, stopping ability, and of course, safety.

2. Material Determines Lifespan

“How long do brake pads last?”

It’s a commonly asked question that, unfortunately, has no direct answer.

Brake pad lifespan can range from 10,000 – 70,000 miles, with an average of 40,000 miles. While driving frequency and driving habits largely dictate lifespan, brake pad material determines it as well.

Factors like environment and the condition of your brake rotors and calipers also determine brake pad life.

3. Material Determines Performance

Performance factors like durability and braking response differ greatly among brake pad material types.

4. Material Determines Noise Level

A comfortable drive is a quiet drive. The squawking and chirping of cheaper brake pad materials makes the driving experience annoying and disruptive.

5. Materials Differ in Cost

Cost is directly tied to quality, so your budget will play a part in determining which brake pad to choose.

Technology has evolved, and today we have three options of materials available for brake pads: organic, semi metallic, and ceramic.

Organic vs Semi Metallic vs Ceramic Brake Pads

Each type of brake pad offers a different driving experience, so we’ve ranked the top 3 in terms of price, lifespan, performance level, and noise.

– Organic Brake Pads

Your basic entry-level organic brake pads will, in many applications, get the job done when it comes to stopping your vehicle.

Entry-Level
Low Cost
Shortest Lifespan
Lowest Performance: More Prone to Failure
Lowest Level of Comfort and Quietness

– Semi Metallic Brake Pads

Your high-power braking force, semi metallic pads offer the best level of performance in all weather conditions.

Mid- to Advanced-Level
Moderate Cost
Moderate Lifespan
High Performance
Moderate Level of Comfort and Quietness

– Ceramic Brake Pads

When comfort rules, long-lasting ceramic pads give you the silent and reliable stopping force you need under most driving conditions.

Mid- to Advanced-Level
Highest Cost
Highest Lifespan
Moderate Performance
Highest Level of Comfort and Quietness

Which Master Power Brakes Kits come with Ceramic Brake Pads?

Legend Series HP

Get the benefits of the standard Legend Series system and make them just a tad bit better. Legend Series HP includes the standard cost-effective features of the original series plus slotted and drilled rotors, braided stainless steel hoses, and high-quality ceramic brake pads.

View Legend Series HP Brake Kits

Legend Series HP Plus

Enjoy some upgrades with our Legend Series HP Plus for the rear on most applications. These kits come standard with a 13” slotted and drilled rotor with a zinc wash and utilize the same caliper in our standard Legend Series rear kits.

The increased rotor size does require a slightly bigger wheel size, 17” minimum. However, you get the benefit of braking with a larger rotor. All kits include stainless steel braided hoses and high-quality ceramic brake pads.

View Legend Series HP Plus Brake Kits

Which Master Power Brakes Kits come with Semi Metallic Brake Pads?

The Legend Series version 2.0, Rallye Series, and Pro Driver Series Brake Kits all offer the high performance of semi metallic brake pads.

How to Choose the Right Brake Pad Material

Your braking system needs, goals and budget will play into the decision-making process of choosing the right brake pad materials.

Weigh the costs of price, performance, comfort, durability, and lifespan.

Consider the other features included in each of the brake kits and decide your priorities when narrowing it down to a final decision.

Still unsure? Reach out to an MP Brakes specialist, and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.