Which Brake Pads Are Right for You?
Author: Toby Date Posted:5 September 2025
Brake pads aren’t just all the same slabs of friction material — the type you choose can make a big difference to how your car stops, how much dust ends up on your wheels, and how long the pads last. Pick the wrong ones, and you might end up with noisy brakes, faster wear, or less stopping power when you really need it.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common brake pad types and which suits your driving style best.
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Everyday city & highway driving (sedans, hatchbacks, light SUVs) | Low noise, minimal dust, long lifespan | Less effective under extreme heat, higher cost |
| Semi-Metallic | Performance driving, towing, heavy vehicles (utes, large SUVs, 4x4s) | Strong stopping power, excellent heat resistance | Noisier, more dust, can wear rotors faster |
| Low-Metallic | Balanced performance & comfort (mid-size SUVs, sporty sedans) | Good stopping power, handles heat better than ceramic | More dust & noise than ceramic |
| Organic (NAO) | Light, everyday driving (small cars, runabouts) | Soft, quiet, gentle on rotors | Wears quickly, poor performance under heavy load or heat |
Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic pads are made from a dense ceramic compound mixed with copper fibres. They’re known for being quiet, producing minimal brake dust, and lasting a long time. Perfect for light to medium vehicles like Toyota Corollas, Mazda 3s, or family SUVs such as the Honda CR-V. While they’re great for city and highway driving, they’re not the best choice for utes or large SUVs that do a lot of towing or high-heat braking.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Blending metal fibres (like steel or copper) with other compounds, semi-metallic pads deliver strong stopping power and excellent heat resistance. These are ideal for heavier SUVs, utes, and performance cars — think Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Patrol, or even a Subaru WRX. They handle heavy braking loads from towing or mountain descents but can be noisier and produce more dust.
Low-Metallic Brake Pads
A middle ground between ceramic and semi-metallic, these pads suit drivers who want extra stopping confidence without the full race-spec feel. They’re often a great match for sporty daily drivers or mid-size SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson. Expect better high-heat performance than ceramics, but with a bit more dust and noise.
Organic (Non-Asbestos Organic – NAO) Brake Pads
Organic pads use materials like rubber, glass, and resin, making them soft, quiet, and gentle on rotors. They’re perfect for smaller, lighter cars — think Hyundai i20, Kia Picanto, or Toyota Yaris — where braking loads are light. They’re affordable, but wear faster and aren’t ideal for heavy-duty use or performance driving.
Choosing The Right Brake Pads for You
If you mostly drive a small car or mid-size SUV in urban areas, ceramics will keep things quiet and clean. For a ute, large SUV, or performance sedan that tows or sees mountain roads, semi-metallics or low-metallics make more sense. For budget-conscious drivers with light vehicles, organics will do the job — just keep an eye on wear rates.
Recommended Brands & Options
If you’re wondering which brands to look at for each type of brake pad, here’s a quick guide:
Choosing the right brake pad is easier when you know which products perform best in each category. Here are some top picks from brands we trust:
- Ceramic Pads
- Bosch QuietCast Premium Ceramic Brake Pads – Smooth, quiet stopping with low dust — ideal for sedans and small SUVs.
- Brembo Ceramic Pads– Consistent braking for family SUVs and passenger cars, perfect for highway commutes.
- Semi-Metallic Pads
- Bendix Heavy Duty Brake Pads– Built for 4x4s, utes, and towing rigs like the Land Cruiser or Ranger.
- TRW Semi-Metallic Brake Pads– High-friction performance for sports sedans and heavier SUVs.
- Low-Metallic Pads
- DBA Street Series Low-Metallic Pads– Balanced performance for sporty daily drivers and mid-size SUVs.
- Aisin Low-Metallic Brake Pads– Reliable in high-heat conditions, good for country driving and long trips.
- Organic Pads
- Protex Organic Brake Pads – Affordable option for small cars and light-duty city use.
- Motorgear NAO Pads – Quiet and smooth for compact hatchbacks and runabouts.
Superspares Has Your Brakes Covered
The right brake pad keeps you safe, matches your driving needs, and saves you money in the long run. At Superspares, we’re more than just an auto parts online store — we stock quality brake pads for all makes and models, plus discs, sensors, and fluid to keep your braking sharp.
Order online today for fast delivery Australia-wide, and make sure your car stops as well as it goes.
