What type of brake pads does GM use?
There isn’t a single brake pad type GM uses across all vehicles. General Motors employs multiple pad materials—primarily ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic/low-metallic—depending on the model, trim, and production year.
This article explains the typical materials seen in GM's current lineup and the reasons behind those choices. Across its lineup, GM tailors brake pad materials to balance noise, dust, wear, and performance. The following overview summarizes common materials and how they’re chosen.
Common brake pad materials in GM vehicles
The list below highlights the three main categories you’re likely to encounter on GM models in recent years.
- Ceramic brake pads: widely used on many modern GM passenger cars; known for low dust, smooth and quiet operation, and good rotor wear characteristics in normal driving.
- Semi-metallic brake pads: frequently used on GM trucks, SUVs, and higher-demand or performance-oriented variants; offer strong friction and good high-temperature performance, but can be noisier and cause more rotor wear in some conditions.
- Organic/low-metallic (NAO) brake pads: used on select models or low-demand applications; quieter with less rotor wear in light use, but may wear faster under heavy braking.
What these options mean in practice is that there isn’t a universal GM pad material; owners should check their specific vehicle’s documentation or GM Parts catalog to confirm the exact OE material for their model and year.
Ceramic pads: characteristics and rationale
Ceramic pads are a staple for many of GM’s current passenger cars. They tend to produce less brake dust, run cooler and quieter, and are gentle on rotors in typical daily driving. Manufacturers may still deploy other materials on certain lines, but ceramic is a common default for many modern GM vehicles.
For buyers or service technicians, this means that upgrading to or maintaining ceramic pads can offer cleaner wheels and a quieter ride in day-to-day use, though price and certain high-performance scenarios may call for alternatives.
Why GM selects different pad materials
Choosing a brake pad material is a balancing act for GM, weighing performance, durability, noise, and cost. The company considers how the vehicle will be used, its weight and braking demands, and the rotor design.
- Driving conditions and temperature range: vehicles expected to experience more aggressive braking or higher heat may use semi-metallic or higher-temperature ceramics.
- Vehicle class and weight: heavier vehicles (trucks and large SUVs) tend to rely on materials with stronger fade resistance, often semi-metallic.
- Noise and dust considerations: ceramic and organic pads typically offer lower dust and noise, appealing to daily drivers and premium trims.
- Rotor compatibility and coatings: pad material must be compatible with the rotor design and any protective coatings used on the vehicle.
In practice, GM’s engineers tune the pad material to match each model’s intended use, warranty expectations, and owner experience. As a result, exact materials can vary across the lineup and over time.
Summary
General Motors uses a mix of brake pad materials—ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic/low-metallic—depending on the vehicle type, model year, and market. Modern GM passenger cars are commonly equipped with ceramic pads for their low dust and quiet operation, while trucks and performance-oriented models may use semi-metallic pads for enhanced heat tolerance and stopping power. Always verify the specific pad material for your GM vehicle via the owner's manual or GM Parts catalog.
