What are brake pads made of? 

When it comes to your car’s braking system, brake pads play a crucial role in ensuring your safety and the performance of your vehicle. These essential components press against the brake discs to create the friction needed to stop your car.

There are three main types of brake pads—organic, metallic, and ceramic—each designed to suit different driving styles and vehicle needs. Depending on your usage, Halfords will help you choose the best-suited pads for your car to ensure the safest, most efficient braking performance. 

Organic brake pads 

Organic brake pads are a popular choice for everyday driving. They’re made from a mixture of materials like rubber, carbon, glass or fiberglass, and bonded with resin. This composition makes organic pads typically more affordable and quieter, perfect for non-performance vehicles and city driving. 

However, they’re not as durable as other types and may wear out faster under heavy braking. Organic brake pads are ideal for those who drive mostly on motorways or urban roads and don’t push their vehicle too hard. These pads are also often referred to as Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) pads. 

Metallic brake pads 

Metallic brake pads are made from a mix of metals like copper, steel, iron, and graphite, these pads are heavier but provide excellent heat resistance and braking power, making them ideal for vehicles that require more frequent, moderate braking. 

That said, because of their metallic content, they can wear down your brake discs faster than organic pads, and they tend to be noisier. Still, if you’re looking for reliable performance in a variety of driving conditions, metallic pads are a solid option. 

Ceramic brake pads 

Ceramic brake pads are the premium choice for high-end and performance vehicles. Ceramic pads are designed to work with carbon discs. They’re made up of copper, bonding agents and ceramic fibres, which do a great job of withstanding hard use because they cope well with high temperatures. 

They’re also long lasting but are very expensive and tend to be at their best when they’re up to operating temperature. They cannot be used with standard steel brake discs and will require further modifications to the braking system to fit. 

 Brake pads at Halfords

At Halfords, we believe that keeping your car in peak condition should be stress-free. We know that choosing the right brake pads can be confusing, but that’s where we come in. Our expert technicians are always ready to guide you toward the best option for your vehicle, helping you make the right choice with confidence. Whether you're unsure about the right material or need advice on which pads fit your car, we’re here to make the process easier and give you peace of mind on the road. 

Plus, with our Brakes4Life policy, we’ll replace your brake pads for free for the life of your car if we fit them. So not only do we help you choose the best pads, but we also make sure you're covered for the long haul. And don’t forget about our free brake check service, available at any Halfords store, where we’ll inspect your braking system and ensure everything’s working as it should.