Brake pads come in all different types and qualities. Some shoppers will walk into a parts store and simply look for the cheapest pads, while others may always ask for the most expensive pads. However, determining the best pad for your vehicle depends on what the vehicle is used for. This rings true especially for a multi-use vehicle such as the Ford F-350. For an F-350, there are three types of brake pads available: ceramic, semi-metallic and organic.
Ceramic Pads
Ceramic brake pads use a mixture of organic materials and ceramic fibers. These pads have a few advantages over most other pads. One advantage is that they dissipate heat at a faster rate and therefore resist transferring their friction material to the rotor, which creates a "warped" feeling in the brakes. Ceramic pads also are a cleaner pad, meaning that they leave less dust on your F-350's rims, and they do not create a lot of noise. Ceramic pads are typically more expensive than other pads. These pads are best for anyone who performs a lot of heavy towing or has a special trim package F-350 with custom rims.
Semi-Metallic Pads
Semi-Metallic pads are made from organic materials with metallic fibers throughout. This metallic fibers create a better grip on the rotor when the brakes are applied. There are a few downsides to semi-metallic brake pads. The biggest downside is that they can become very noisy over time. They also do not dissipate heat as well as ceramic pads, causing some material to transfer to the rotor creating a "warped" rotor feeling. Semi-metallic pads also create more brake dust than ceramic pads, and your wheels may need occasional cleaning. Semi-metallic pads are great for an older F-350 that does occasional towing.
Organic Pads
Organic pads are made up of only non-asbestos, organic materials. These pads are typically the least expensive pads on the shelves. There are a great deal of downsides to these types of brake pads. The biggest downside is that they wear out quickly on a large truck like the F-350. They also make the most noise and transfer more material to the rotor than any other pad. However, these pads are fine for an F-350 that is only used as a farm truck and is rarely used for heavy towing or stop-and-go traffic.
