Are aftermarket components superior to OEM serviceable parts? There can be no doubt that the answer is no when it comes to brake pads. OEM brake pads, which are only available from dealerships, are typically more expensive.
OEM brake pads are suitable for general use. It functions well away from the showroom floor because it was made to be quiet, reliable, and effective on the road.
Nevertheless, aftermarket brake pads will stop even better, last longer, and cost significantly less than OEM brake pads in most circumstances. Additionally, aftermarket brake pads are available in various compositions to better fit your driving needs and style. You might own a large vehicle that can pull a lot, for instance. Heavy loads and frequent stops can be handled by brake pads like the Bendix Heavy Duty without sacrificing stopping force or performance. The Bendix Heavy Duty brake pads would provide safer, better braking for a longer amount of time than the OEM brake pads since they were specially developed to tolerate heat buildup caused by towing.
In comparison to OEM brakes, aftermarket brake pads offer greater functions. For instance, the Blue Titanium Stripe found on many of Bendix’s brake pads eliminates the need for bedding in. To have immediate stopping power, simply install and drive normally.
other characteristics, such Bendix’s proprietary Vibration and noise are reduced at the source thanks to stealth advanced technology. Bendix’s specially crafted backing plates and shims contribute to both reduced noise and improved brake performance.
With the proper backing plates and supporting components, Bendix brake pads are also made to be simple to install. Electronic brake sensors are also provided for contemporary European cars as necessary to facilitate hassle-free installation.
The highest criteria of braking performance are set by SAE and ISO testing, which are used to evaluate Bendix brake pads.
Bendix brake pads are easily qualified for OE logbook servicing because of their established quality and OE fitting, preventing you from voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.
parts or spares in short supply. However, Bendix offers over 2500 applications for vehicles, trucks, vans, and utesnot brake pads. In Australia and New Zealand, the largest selection of brake pads is available.
In This Article...
Which brake pad manufacturer is the best?
Optimal Brake Pads
- Brake pads by Brembo.
- Galvanized brake pads from NRS Brakes.
- Brake pads made of ceramic by Wagner.
- Premium ceramic brake pads from Bosch.
- Ceramic brake pads from Centric Posi Quiet.
- Brake pads for the Power Stop Z23 Evolution Sport.
- Blue Bosch brake pads.
- Brake pads made of premium ceramic that are ultra-quiet by KFE.
How reliable are Napa Premium brake pads?
Premium grade brake pads are available at NAPA at midrange prices. They combine OE-matched engineering, sound-dampening technologies, and tough materials to give smooth, long-lasting braking while being cleaner and quieter than standard brake pads.
How durable are Kia brake pads?
How durable are Kia brake pads? Depending on how you drive, Kia 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.
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 ceramic brake pads damage rotors more quickly?
- Typically, ceramic brake pads are the most expensive type of friction.
- less suitable for severely cold regions and with less bite than semi-metallic brake pads.
- Due to poorer heat absorption than other friction compounds, it’s possible that brake system temperatures will rise.
- Not advised for heavy-duty applications like hauling since it puts more strain on the system to achieve the same stopping power as when driving normally.
- If the rotors are not of the same superior quality as the brake pads themselves, ceramic brake pads may result in increased rotor wear. This is why it’s crucial to confirm that the vehicle’s entire braking system is composed of components that are designed to function together.
Do brands of brake pads matter?
Both having a powerful engine that can move you down the road and having effective brakes are essential. We would unquestionably prefer braking power over horsepower if given the choice. One of a car’s most crucial capabilities is the ability to stop or slow down. You shouldn’t be driving if you can’t perform either of those things well.
Having said that, there are many options and brand names available when it comes to brakes. Making a purchase decision might be challenging with so many possibilities. It might be challenging to determine which brands are the best or even whether there is a difference between them. A name may seem insignificant, but does it really matter?
The Brand Name Matters Less Than the Type
It’s true that Brembo brakes are typically found on high-performance vehicles. Great brake pads are produced by the company. EBC, Wagner, Bendix, and Bosch all agree. While there are undoubtedly certain brake pads that are superior to others, the type of brake pad itself is what matters most. There are numerous types of brake pads available.
While you might have EBC brake pads on your car, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re superior than the Bosch pads on your neighbor’s vehicle. Most manufactures produce a few different sorts. However, if both of you use the same brake pad material (ceramic or semi-metallic), you can begin comparing the performance of similar products. When that happens, the brand name truly has meaning.
Get the Right Type for Your Purposes
Brake pads come in three basic varieties: organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. There are many different pad formulations from many different manufacturers within these categories. Each one has a purpose, therefore when choosing brake pads, you should first consider how you intend to utilize your car. Just keep in mind that name brands are only significant if they belong to the same category as those listed below.
- Natural brake pads Organic brakes are those that are made of non-metallic materials like glass, rubber, resins, or plastic. These brake pads are quiet and affordable. Sadly, because don’t respond to heat as effectively as other brake pads, they wear out more quickly. They are typically the least expensive alternative, however they are not advised for high-performance automobiles.
- Metallic-semi brake pads Semi-metallic brake pads use metaltypically iron, steel, copper, or graphiteto dissipate heat and prevent the brakes from deteriorating too quickly. Even while these brakes aren’t as quiet as their biological counterparts, they operate better and last longer, making them a better option in most situations. Compared to organic pads, they are more expensive, but not as pricey as ceramic ones.
- Ceramic brake calipers This kind of brake pad’s ceramic material is made to dissipate heat, endure for a long time, lessen brake dust, and generate little noise. Because a ceramic pad provides the best and most reliable stopping power, high-performance automobiles like to utilize them. However, a semi-metallic pad might be preferable in cold weather scenarios. Another drawback of ceramic brake pads is their cost, but with brake pads, you get what you pay for.
It’s usually a good idea to consider what the manufacturer installed on your automobile when deciding which one you should acquire for yourself. Install new ceramics if your automobile already has them. Replace the semi-metallic brake pads if they were factory installed. Better brakes can always be installed on a vehicle, but keep the same brand. Here is where brands come into play.
The top three brands in terms of quality are Brembo, EBC, and Wagner. If you’re unsure of what will work best for your automobile, speak with your neighborhood mechanic. They can advise you on the best course of action and let you know which brands or models of brake pads will perform better than your current ones at a fair price.
Which ten brake pads are the best?
One crucial part of the brake system is the brake pad. Even though these brake pads normally function for roughly 30,000 miles, their lifespan will depend on how they are used.
However, persistent friction causes brake pads to deteriorate more quickly, necessitating a replacement. Please take note that worn brake pads would reduce the amount of stopping power available to the vehicle, which could result in dangerous collisions.
So it would be beneficial to examine brake pads to make sure they are still in good shape. If worn, it would be beneficial to purchase high-quality options, and the following manufacturers offer some of the most effective brake pads on the market.
TRW Brake Pads
This company is renowned for offering cutting-edge brake pads and rotors that rank among the best. The braking systems of automobiles are improved by the brake pads from this brand. TRW has a long history of producing original equipment (OE) braking systems for automakers.
The good news is that these goods are reliable, high-quality, and safe according to the most recent standards. This brand produces constant density and porosity for consumers by utilizing advanced molding technology.
Drivers can now enjoy lengthy trips with less brake pad noise. You can be sure that the backplate won’t rust because TRW uses powder to cover the brake pads. This product’s friction substance is made of rubber and graphite, two thoroughly studied raw components.
The brand searing procedures, which heat brake pads from 600C to 700C, reduce initial fading and bedding-in time. Because this manufacturer of brake pads offers a variety of options for various car models, you can choose an appropriate product that would work for your vehicle.
The renowned ZF Aftermarket, a leader in driveline passive safety technology and chassis technology, is the manufacturer of TRW brake pads. For TRW, this independent aftermarket company in Germany creates a range of braking systems, including their brake pads.
By now, you should be aware that TRW offers car owners excellent value for their money, all the more so considering the company guarantees that its brake pads will last up to 60,000 miles. These goods typically cost between $21.98 and $44.59, on average.
Bosch Brake Pads
For aftermarket goods like oil filters, engine air filters, and brake system components, Bosch is a well-known brand. This multi-national engineering and electronics company is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for numerous automakers throughout the world and is known for producing high-quality goods.
The Bosch brake pads are among the best selections on the market because they are made of high-quality components. These robust materials seem to be the best ones for truck driving, hard braking, and high mileage.
It’s interesting to note that different automobile models can use different arrangements of these brake pads. So, regardless of the car’s model, you may discover a great fit that matches your brand of automotive. You can benefit from a smooth functioning and less rotor wear with these components installed.
You may drive better because Bosch brake pads feature a great design that minimizes the release of brake dust when applied. The good news is that this company offers a variety of brake pads that can perform well under various driving circumstances.
The Bosch QuietCast is one item from this line that consistently receives high marks from reviews of Bosch brake pads. Bosch brake pads are very reasonably priced and provide excellent value. Bosch brake pads start at $22.71 and go up to $70.00.
Wagner Brake Pads
Wagner’s high-end aftermarket goods are great alternatives because they are made of superior components. This brand has consistently given car owners reliable brake pads.
It’s interesting to note that using these products frequently guarantees less noise when the brakes are applied. You can be confident that Wagner brake pads will last a long time and fulfill their intended purpose thanks to their durability.
Although brake pad costs vary, you might think about purchasing a suitable alternative from Wagner if you want a solid product within your price range. Given that their items range in price from an estimated $25.38 to $54.99, this brand offers a number of economical options.
You can tell from the many evaluations of Wagner brake pads that Wagner only offers the best, and that their brake pads maintain consistent friction performance over the course of their lives.
Please be aware that this brand produces its ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads in the USA. These brake pads are, nevertheless, easily accessible all over the world.
ACDelco Brake Pads
One of the top brake pads for daily drivers seems to be ACDelco’s professional brand of brake pads. These items have undergone extensive testing and are reliable for brakes. When used properly, they don’t produce much noise.
This brand equipped the brake pads with chamfers, slots, and shims in an effort to lessen noise, hard braking, and vibration. Additionally, ACDelco brake pads have stamped backing plates that permit the pad to glide smoothly inside the caliper assembly.
These brake pads are quite durable, and the manufacturer offers a wide variety of alternatives for various automobile brands. Since ACDelco is General Motors’ original equipment manufacturer, it already produces roughly 90,000 parts for this automaker.
As a result, ACDelco is a trustworthy choice that would only provide the best brake pads. Depending on which brake pads are best for your car, the price range for ACDelco brake pads varies. However, you can get these brake pads for anywhere from $19.91 to $135.64.
Akebono Brake Pads
One of the many options available on the market that are effective for a variety of automobiles are Akebono brake pads. The premium product from this company looks to be superior than the majority of other available selections. It’s interesting to note that this company provides one of the top brake pad brands in the USA.
The brand focuses on removing vibrations, harshness, and noise while limiting the brake dust that is released from the system when the brakes are applied since these brake pads are made using friction formulations that are car-optimized.
As a result, Akebono brake pads seem like good replacement options and can also be an improvement over other traditional pads. The majority of people could think that the products from this brand are a little more expensive than other possibilities on the market.
You may be confident that they provide excellent value for your money and that their Akebono brake pads last longer. These pads typically cost between $43.25 and $134.40. Based on the specs of your automobile, you can get one from an auto component store.
Brembo Brake Pads
Few brake pads on the market can match the standards set by Brembo, as this company is one of the top suppliers of brake pads. This well-known Italian business produces high-performance car brake systems and sells them to customers.
These brake pads are built to provide maximum stopping power and perform well in a variety of driving circumstances. The vast majority of Brembo’s brake pads seem to be ceramic. Please be aware that these products are built using the OE direct molding press.
As a result, these pads are well-fitting and there are great selections for many car brands. Brembo frequently scorches their brake pads in an effort to lessen the likelihood of fade and running-in.
Numerous products under this trademark frequently feature the distinctive red shim of elastomer steel elastomer (ESE). The red shim is a distinctive element that distinguishes the pads and tends to perform with less noise and vibration. Automotive brake pads made by Brembo are expected to cost between $49.95 and $246.33.
Power Stop Brake Pads
Power Stop is a well-known company that sells rotors, hardware, pads, and other aftermarket braking equipment to motorists. Currently, this brand appears to have kits that work with 98 percent of the vehicles on the road.
Are you trying to find a high-performance brake pad that will suit your car well? Then, it would be beneficial if you thought about purchasing a good alternative from Strength Stop, since this brand has a reliable formula that provides great stopping power.
These pads are made of superb carbon fiber that has been combined with ceramic since it seems to be quite sturdy and has a lengthy lifespan. Please take note that Power Stop brake pads have excellent resistance to fade-up caused by high temperatures.
For select applications from this product line, bin bushings and stainless steel hardware kits are included with the brake lubricants that come with each brake pad unit. Contrary to certain standard choices’ significant emissions, using these pads will result in little to no brake dust.
Despite the fact that the cost of these pads varies, you can discover adequate solutions for anywhere between $17.64 and $67.70.
Centric Parts
One of the most effective brake pads available from Centric has carefully cut or shaved backing plates. Extreme pressure is used during manufacturing of these goods, which helps to compress the friction material.
This brand’s pads appear to be all exposed to burning technology, which shortens the break-in period and drives impurities out of their range of friction materials. Once more, Centric Parts makes sure that the formulations of these pads are devoid of asbestos.
The patented Posi Quiet brake pads sold under this brand are produced using the same molding techniques as top OE suppliers. As a result, you can be confident that such an element in your car will continue to function well for a long time.
Centric brake pads are available in a wide variety of temperatures and provide steady friction, improved braking performance, and little noise. Uneven wear wouldn’t exist if the pads provided constant friction.
The Centric Posi Quiet brake pads are of outstanding quality and adhere to the laws governing friction materials. These pads come in a variety of price ranges, with an estimated price range of $18.73 to $62.24.
NRS Brake Pads
The renowned OEMs that NRS supplies with its proprietary brake technology now have a variety of solutions accessible to them. You can quickly locate a replacement for your automobile’s worn-out brake pads because the brand carries a variety of applications for numerous car brands.
The fact that these goods seem to be among the most durable brakes you can discover makes them highly recommended. They are consequently some of the best brake pads in the UK. These pads are made of excellent friction materials and steel that has been zinc-plated.
This brand makes use of the unique SHARK-METAL technology to prevent backing plate delamination of the friction material. Basically, you can access more secure and safe stops while driving.
Please take note that the steel backing plate on these NUCAP Industries items has been galvanized to prevent corrosion, extending their lifespan. The cost of these pads ranges from $79.99 to $199.99 at various car retailers.
KFE Premium Brake Pads
As one of the top producers of aftermarket brake system parts, KFE continues to be one of the most recognized names in the industry when it comes to braking systems. You can count on the pads from this brand to appear cutting-edge and efficient because they use one of the top processes in the business.
The brake pads from KFE frequently include top-notch features that guarantee drivers won’t have any problems. You can rely on KFE brake pads to deliver reliable performance, and the majority of their products come with hassle-free limited warranties.
The innovative ceramic brake pads are made of asbestos-free materials and are designed to be environmentally friendly. Please take note that each pad has been effectively thermos burned to increase friction levels.
These pads can also endure a variety of road surfaces and challenging terrain. As a result, this formula enables drivers to stop more quickly and forcefully because of the coefficient of friction.
The brake pads are not harmed when using shims (dual-sided rubber), and there are no excessive vibrations. Pads from this company are also affordable for those on a strict budget, as their prices range from $20.35 to $35.34.