FAQ ATE Ceramic brake pads

The ATE Ceramic is not suitable for high performance or racing! The brake pad has been designed for use in normal road traffic and offers a longer service life, less noise and significantly reduced brake dust formation on the rims under normal driving conditions. ATE Ceramic brake pads should not be confused with brake pads for ceramic composite brake discs used in high-priced sports and luxury vehicles. In contrast to conventional brake pads, ATE Ceramic brake pads contain mild abrasives and no steel components. ATE Ceramic brake pads are designed for drivers who demand comfort. Under these driving conditions, the brake pad offers longer brake pad and disc life, less noise and significantly reduced brake dust on the vehicle rims.

As a matter of principle, we do not recommend using the PowerDisc or perforated brake discs in combination with ATE Ceramic brake pads.

The braking performance of the ATE Ceramic pad provides maximum safety at the same level as original equipment. Our tests have shown that even professional test drivers were unable to detect differences in braking performance between original ATE or other OE pads and ATE Ceramics, even under extreme test conditions. All ATE Ceramic brake pads are also tested for compliance with ECE R90.

ATE Ceramic is a product for vehicles in the small, medium, and upper medium classes. The drivers of these vehicles not only demand outstanding braking performance, they also place high value on the appearance of their vehicle and consequently on clean wheel rims. The ceramic pad is also more environmentally friendly than conventional brake pads, as less brake dust is generated and the pad mass is copper-free.

The ATE Ceramic is available for a wide range of vehicles in the small, medium and upper-medium classes. Ceramic brake pads are generally available up to a limit of 225 kW. ATE usually offers kits for both front and rear axles. The range is continuously growing.

Wherever ATE products are available. You can find a summary of ATE sales partners easily using our PartnerFinder PartnerFinder .

Yes, there is no difference here between original ATE and ATE Ceramic.

No, all ATE Ceramic brake pads are tested according to ECE R90, so they don’t have to be registered.

ATE Ceramic brake pads are tested according to ECE R90, so they don’t have to be registered.

As a rule, the range of accessories is identical.

Use on just one axle is possible. To get the best result in terms of low brake dust production, however, ATE recommends that ATE Ceramic is used on both axles together with new brake discs.

The braking performance of this combination remains as good as with an ATE original or an OE brake pad. The way the two components work together, however, can result in an increase in braking noise. ATE Ceramic brake pads have been developed for drivers who want comfort. Basically, we recommend only combining ATE Ceramic brake pads with “normal”, i.e. smooth brake discs.

We do not recommend using Ceramic brake pads with sports brake discs.

Yes, extensive test results are available. They show that when ATE Ceramic is used, the rims become significantly less dirty than when conventional (“Low Met”) brake pads are used. This is particularly true for braking under everyday operating conditions.

The service life of brake pads is highly dependent on the usage profile and the pad temperatures. Generally, however, it can be said that ATE Ceramic brake pads wear less than conventional (“Low Met”) brake pads, especially when braking under everyday conditions.

After a short running-in phase, the use of ATE Ceramic causes a blue-gray “transfer film” to develop on the brake disc, consisting of very hard, wear-resistant carbides – so braking no longer takes place directly between the brake pad and the brake disc, but on this transfer film, significantly reducing brake pad wear.

ATE Ceramic pads create less brake dust than Low Met pads. ATE Ceramics are also less noisy and have a longer service life. When it comes to safety and quality, there are no compromises with ATE Ceramic, because the pads are at OEM level.

No, because there is less abrasion than with conventional brake pads.

The formation of a blue-gray layer (the transfer layer) on the friction rings of the brake disc is normal when using ATE Ceramic brake pads. This layer is necessary to keep the pads in perfect working order and, in particular, to reduce the formation of brake dust.

As a general rule we recommend replacing the brake discs and the brake pads at the same time. Brake discs that are run in or used may well have been subject to prior damage such as erosion. This can mean that combining a new ATE Ceramic brake pad with a used brake disc will not achieve the best possible performance.

No, unfortunately we do not offer Ceramic brake pads for classic vehicles.