I don't care about what brand you like really. Just, strictly, the differences you've noticed between ceramic and semi-metallic in summer, and winter driving. If you have winter that is. And in rain. Etc.

I'm looking to pick up lower end pads because I lost my job. So, ceramic or semi-metallic?

 

ceramic pads are more expensive but with less dust, they last longer and are quieter. A lot of cars come with ceramic pads standard.

Semi metallic pads are less expensive but they are noisy when they get hot and makes lots more dust.

 

thanks for the reply. i went with semi metallic. but only because they came with the rotors i got. ill probably switch soon as they are done. welcome to the .org

 

i have ceramics strictly because of no brake dust...other wise i would have gone w/ one w/ better bite

 

i suppose ill be spending time cleaning up the alloy rims then eh. i should be prepared. lol anyone know a good cleaning solution?

 

soap, water, hand, and rag LOLOLOL

 

lol

 

I have ceramics, no brake dust FTW!

 

Do the ceramics enjoy longer life at the expense of shorter rotor life?

 

I use ferro-carbon. Dusts like mad. Initial bite is amazing, better than anything non-track pad I've used. When they warm up, OMGebus!!! Hold on!!! As for noise, there's 2 kinds. 1 is a groan, sounds like rotors are getting chewed up, but I don't think rotors wore more than normal. I had slotted rotors at the time, I'm sure the slots contributed noise a bit. The other noise is high pitch screech. I used anti-squeel paste every 6 months and no problems.

But yeah, if you're a wuss for cleaning wheels, stick with OEM.

added: I also used a set of carbon kevlar. Nothing good to say about them, except they heat cycle better than oem. But noise and dust were still an issue, and terrible initial bite like oem. Not worth it.

added again: I did have a set of ceramics. Not impressed at all, felt like OEM. Mushy when hot. When slowing from triple digits, these took forever. Initial bite not there. Not worth it over oem, except maybe less fade. On the plus side, they dusted just a little, and noise was minor. I ended up using ceramics for my rears and couldn't wait to burn through them for the fronts.

Dr J

 

I downshift engine brake and late brake on the track and daily driving. I go through pads and tires every ~30k. But I've never had to replace aftermarket rotors. I guess just buy good stuff, drive right, and not worry about it. If you get your rotors turned regularly, they'll let you know when it's time to replace. Unless your slotted or drilled, in which case you're an enthusiast and replacing rotors early shouldn't be a concern if you want best performance.
Dr J

 

Ceramics from oem to hawks bite great initially but after repeated abuse brake fade increases. Now the only pads i love the performance was wagner thermo quiet semi metallic brake fade did not exist. But noisy but there was no brake dust. Use them on my 4th and 5.5 gen

 

hmmmm

 

I was told that ceramic pads can brake harder because they can withstand higher heat levels that semi-metallic can't. As far as brake dust is concerned there is hardly anything coming from ceramics

 

I used to use OEM for the first 4 changes, but recently I just slapped in any old brand ceramic, cost $35. No noise at all...back in the day I'd get OEM for $47 shipped. Now they're like $82 list and $65 discount--unbelievable!

 

Only way to go!

 

I put some ceramic pads on my mother's I30, and what a difference. Quieter, and smoother operation. Less brake fade, and less dust. Just my 2 cents.