First, let’s dispel the idea that a conventional brake pad is entirely organic, entirely metallic, or entirely ceramic. There are just too many materials to choose from, and it’s quite common to combine organics with metallics (or vice versa). Actually, the term “primarily organic,” “mostly metallic,” or “mainly ceramic” should be used to describe brake pads.
- increased resistance to wear (this is their biggest benefit)
- superior functionality at high temperatures
- prone to making noise
- especially in a racing situation, wear more quickly
- low-key operation (this is their biggest benefit)
- superior functionality at lower temperatures
- Organic brake pads may “outgas” at high temperatures (i.e., decompose because of high heat, which smells awful) depending on their composition, and essentially lose their braking capacity.
- reasonable compromise between performance, noise, and wear resistance
- a little pricey in comparison to metallic or organic pads
- The second most typical form of pad found on modern cars are semi-metallic ones.
- The majority of premium aftermarket brake pads are semi-metallic.
- Semi-metallic pads don’t excel in any one particular area, but they have a lot of wonderful qualities overall.
- They have excellent performance qualities in all areas, are quiet, last a long time, and work well in most temperatures.
- The new industry standard is ceramic semi-metallic pads, which are included in more than half of all new passenger cars (as of 2012)
- Sadly, ceramic pads are frequently the most expensive choice.
In This Article...
How are OEM brake pads made?
Some aftermarket producers advertise the “OE-quality” of their brake pads. Are these brake pads just as effective as genuine OEM brake pads, and what exactly does it mean?
OE-quality and OEM are not synonymous terms. The distinction between these two terms is as follows:
- The maker of original equipment makes OEM brake pads.
- Aftermarket vendors that assert their brake pads are constructed to OEM specifications produce OE-quality brake pads.
The “OE-quality label is uncontrolled,” which is the issue with OE-quality brake pads. Because of this, practically any aftermarket manufacturer might use it to their products. There isn’t a set of OE-quality standards to adhere to. There is no true way to tell if all brake pads described as OE-quality are actually produced in accordance with OEM specifications.
To be safe, we don’t believe that OE-quality brake pads are on par with genuine OEM brake pads.
How durable are Toyota OEM brake pads?
How durable are Toyota brake pads? Depending on your driving habits, Toyota brake pads typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. You should get an examination more frequently if you commute in congested traffic and apply the brakes frequently.
Does purchasing OEM brake pads make sense?
OEM parts are the same as the parts that were initially installed at the factory; OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. Every component you see on a new car is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part.
The quality of an OEM replacement component is ensured when you purchase one because it was created especially for your vehicle. This is especially true of brake pads because braking systems are frequently created to maximize the performance of a particular pad. Several factors make OEM brake pads crucial:
- A system that has been expertly balanced includes brake pads. There’s a fair chance that the brake system in your car was built around the brake pads the manufacturer selected. This is due to the fact that brake pads serve as the brake system’s “heart.” The system will be noisy and produce a lot of dust if it isn’t built with the pads in mind.
- OEM pads are produced with meticulous precision. Fitting brake pads correctly is crucial since a pad that isn’t exactly the right size or dimension will function poorly. These problems can occasionally just be loud noise (squealing and scraping), a lot of dust, or a limited lifespan. Because of the precise tolerances required by Honda, OEM pads fit perfectly.
- Your safety depends on your brake pads. Honda and other major automakers are aware that their customers’ safety and wellbeing are crucial to the success of their business. Therefore, OEM brake pads are always of the highest caliber.
- OEM pads often produce little to no dust and are quiet. One of the most common complaints that buyers have about their vehicles is brake noise, which is bothersome. OEM pads are frequently made to be silent. Regarding brake dust, it can corrode rims in addition to making them appear bad. OEM pads are made to create little to no dust.
Do brake pads made of ceramic harm rotors?
Simple differences in the materials utilized to make each brake pad account for the distinction between ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads.
There are specific scenarios where ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads both offer different benefits when selecting one for a vehicle.
Most drivers choose semi-metallic brakes because they offer superior braking across a wider variety of temperatures and situations, making them ideal for performance vehicles, track driving, or when towing. They are constructed from a material that effectively conducts heat, which enables them to sustain higher temperatures during braking while also assisting the cooling process. Semi-metallic brake pads typically cost between organic and ceramic brake pads but can be noisier than ceramic brake pads.
Even though they are noisier, ceramic brake pads can quickly recover from extremely high temperatures, meaning less rotor damage. Compared to semi-metallic brake pads, ceramic brake pads produce a finer dust when they wear, which leaves less debris on the wheels of the car. When compared to semi-metallic brake pads, ceramic brake pads often last longer and, throughout their lifecycle, offer greater noise management and less rotor wear and tear without compromising braking performance. Research is required before choosing between ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads because not all car makes and models are compatible with ceramic brake pads.
You may choose the ideal brake pads to match the particular vehicle and driving requirements of your customer by being aware of how brake pads work and how various brake pad materials are best suited for certain purposes.
Do Akebono brakes work well?
Some aftermarket brake pads don’t offer the same value as OE brake pads. Some aftermarket brake pads far surpass those made by original equipment manufacturers in quality. Choosing a reputed brand is the greatest method to get a better pad.
We have examined hundreds of various brake pads as brake pad experts. We can confirm that Akebono is one of the top manufacturers of brake pads.
A well-known company with a history in the brake parts sector is Akebono. More specifically, ceramic friction technology is an area where Akebono is renowned for breaking new ground. The brake pads from Akebono are made of a unique combination of ceramic compositions. These compositions offer a plethora of advantages that significantly elevate Akebono brake pads beyond their OEM competitors. These advantages consist of:
- increased rotor life
- more forceful halting
We offer three types of top-notch Akebono brake pads. Let’s examine each one’s main focus.
Are OEM brakes preferable to aftermarket brakes?
A: Because OEM refers to the “original equipment manufacturer,” OEM brake pads are the same as those that came with the car. Ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic materials may be used as the friction material in brake pads. Branded aftermarket brake pads are equivalent to and occasionally even superior to OEM. Save your money.
My brother-in-law constantly instructs me to turn the key halfway and wait for the beeping to stop before starting the automobile. According to him, doing this enables the computer to first check all of the vehicle’s sensors. Is there any truth to this, or is this just a myth?
Toyota brake rotor quality
Although some aftermarket rotors might be made of higher-quality components than OEM rotors, this difference may not be as significant as you might assume. What counts is if the rotor was designed to work with the OEM brake pads.
An aftermarket brake rotor may regularly overheat and sustain damage if used with OEM brake pads. The disparity between the parts’ hardness and softness is a major cause of the incompatibility. For instance, after only 10,000 miles, an aftermarket rotor that is too soft for OEM brake pads can become worn or distorted. The OEM brake pads will quickly wear out and lose their ability to grip the rotor if an aftermarket rotor is too harsh for them.
OEM rotors meet your need for a rotor that will perform best with OEM brake pad materials.
Having said that, OEM Toyota rotors are crafted with premium metals that are designed to last. Therefore, you may be very confident that an OEM replacement rotor will work properly for you for a very long period.
Brake pads made by Toyota TCM are what?
The Toyota Factory Replacement and Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) lines of replacement brake pads and shims are both available from Toyota.
The identical components that are put on your vehicle when it is new are the Toyota Factory Replacement brake pads, shims, and fitting kits.
The only parts utilized while doing brake repairs covered by your factory warranty are these premium brake pads, shims, and fitment kits for your Toyota.
These fitting kits, brake pads, and shims are all supplied individually and have individual part numbers.
They are frequently changed as Toyota enhances the component’s quality.
When Toyota Factory Replacement brake components have reached the end of their service life, Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads and shims are used as a replacement.
These are sold as a package that includes brake pads and shims and are offered at a reduced price point as an alternative to aftermarket brake pads.
They are typically regarded as the entry-level Toyota brake parts.
Starting with the brake pads, below is a comparison of some of the quality variances between the two part lines.
For the front brakes of a 2007 Toyota Highlander, shown are brake pads and shims:
What drawbacks do ceramic brake pads have?
Cons of ceramic brake pads
- The most pricey choice for brake pads.
- fewer cold bite than semi-metallic brake pads, making them less suitable for extremely cold regions.
- Not as good at absorbing heat, which could lead to hotter brake systems.
- For heavy-duty or high-performance racetrack use, not advised.