There are four common types of brake pads:
Ceramic – This brake pad is made of ceramic fibers, non-metallic filler materials and bonding agents.
Low-Metallic NAO – Made of organic materials with 10-30% metal, these brake pads have very good heat transfer capabilities, though they create more brake dust and are a little noisier.
Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) – This brake pad is softer and less noisy than the low-metallic brake pads, but do create more dust. They are made with high-temperature resins and fibers, and contain filler materials.
Semi-Metallic – This brake pad is the most commonly used brake pad in many vehicles. Made of steel wire, copper or graphite, and friction modifiers, it has excellent heat transfer capabilities and is long lasting.
Speak to your mechanic about which brake pad is best for your vehicle.