Made mostly of metal shavings of brass, copper, steel, graphite and bonded with high quality resin, Semi-metallic Brake Pads are best suited for small/medium sized cars that are routinely used on daily basis. These brake pads are also well suited for trucks or similar heavy duty vehicles that need strong braking power. They last longer too, since they are primarily made of tough metal. What’s more, they are more cost effective, as compared to ceramic brake pads, their lordly cousins.

As replacement component, semi-metallic brake pads prove highly effective as current day manufacturers employ state-of-the-art technology, such as high pressure molding process to bond the friction piece to the backing plate. This ensures consistent frictional density through the surface, even wear and longer life.

Economical – Semi-metallic brake pads are lower priced as compared to their ceramic counterparts, while there is such a wide array of after market products that you could always select a set, matching your budget. Moreover, these are available for almost all brands of cars, vans and SUVs.

Better grip – Semi-metallic brake pads provide better grip even when cold. This becomes very helpful if you happen to reside in colder regions, such as in around Laramie, Wyoming, Low Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Duluth, Minnesota or Bozeman, Montana.

Suitable for frequent braking – Semi metallic brake padsprove pretty effective on short trips across town, such as visiting the druggist or buying groceries. This benefit accrues out of the fact that these pads work fine even when cold, whereas ceramic [pads hardly get a chance to worm up while the vehicle stops so frequently to start again.

Reduced vibration – Some after market Semi-metallic brake pads are provided with Metal shims that reduce vibration, thus producing noise-free braking.

Shorter lifespan – Alas, despite having so many plus points, Semi-metallic brake pads do not last as long as their ceramic counterparts and so require frequent replacements. However, market survey reports vouchsafe that a replacement set lasts well over 30,000 miles.

Too much brake dust – Semi metallic brake pads give out too much brake dust, as compared to other types of brake pads. Even though this does not cause any health hazard, it spoils the wheels, especially fashionable alloy wheels, and unless these are regularly cleaned, are likely to ruin their look.

Bit noisy – Especially after some use. This happens because of the frictional properties of these brake pads.

Not gentle on the rotors – Because of the very nature of the materials with which Semi-metallic brake pads are made, the friction with rotor when brakes are applied create excessive heat and consequent damage to the rotor.

Almost ninety percent of cars, vans and trucks you see on the roads these days are equipped with Semi-metallic brake pads. In fact, these are now considered as standard factory installed brake pads, regardless of whether it is a sedan, convertible or a SUV.

Consequently, owners, too follow suit while replacing worn out brake pads. Semi-metallic brake pads are also used extensively on account of their pocket-friendly price structure. However, most of them tend to spend more money in not too distant future by overlooking the fact that these brake pads are not so kindly to the rotors that cost much more than the pads.

Ceramic brake pads, on the other hand can save the owners from this menace as they cause minimal damage to the rotor because of the very structure and the material they are made of. Consisting mostly of ceramic fiber, filling material and non-harming bonding agents, these brake pads feature amazing heat dispersing quality, as a result of which vehicles can be stopped even when driven very fast, without causing any harm to the rotors. However, the downside with ceramic brake pads is their high price, which often discourages price conscious yet quality negligent component buyers.