Proact Ultra-Premium Disc Brake Pad Kit for Toyota and Lexus Models Released by Akebono, Expanding Coverage by Nearly 3.0 Million Vehicles.
In This Article...
Where are the brake pads for Akebono made?
The business has established itself as a valuable resource for top OEMs, Tier I brake suppliers, and the automotive aftermarket thanks to its dedication to innovation, process improvement, quality control, and customer service. Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Stellantis, Subaru, Toyota, and Volvo are some of the major auto OEM clients. For these manufacturers, Akebono is pleased to offer cutting-edge brake solutions, and we stand behind our goods with unmatched service and support.
With the use of the Akebono Production System, Akebono produces a variety of brake friction materials and foundation brake components, such as disc brake calipers, drum brakes, and the newest EPB (electronic park brake) braking technology (APS). The APS methodology uses tried-and-true quality control methods to ensure low process variation across the whole production cycle. Through widespread use, APS enables the business to routinely create fewer than 0.1 faults per million components.
With 30 totally owned or connected facilities, including two production plants in Kentucky and one in Mexico, Akebono manufactures brake friction materials and components all over the world through R&D technical centers it operates in the US, Japan, and France. All of Akebono’s operations have obtained the necessary ISO/TS16949 certifications and have received several accolades for their performance and quality from clients.
Discover our selection of Ultra-Premium Brake Pads, which were created by OE engineers to satisfy the demands of our aftermarket clients. You’ll discover that Akebono is actually the key to braking. Find a local Akebono dealer to receive the safety, dependability, and performance that only a leader in the braking industry can offer.
Is Akebono a reliable name?
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 pad life
- more forceful halting
- less sand
- increased rotor life
We offer three types of top-notch Akebono brake pads. Let’s examine each one’s main focus.
Utilizes Toyota Advics?
Did you know that ADVICS, a reputable brand in the aftermarket with more than 30 years of experience, produces ultra-premium, OE quality brake parts in addition to brake pads and is an OE on many other brands besides Toyota?
We are the original equipment manufacturer (OE) for more than 10 domestic and Asian manufacturers, and we develop, engineer, test, and produce ultra-premium brake parts for the full braking system.
Advanced Intelligent Chassis Systems (ADVICS) is a provider of ultra-premium OE brake system components that are designed and produced for the aftermarket using cutting-edge technology and creativity. ADVICS provides OE brake pads and other brake components for Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hummer, Jeep, Lincoln, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Pontiac, and Suzuki models in addition to supplying a sizeable amount of the OE braking system components for Toyota models.
By providing a complete product range for complete brake systems based on engineering skills and know-how from a strong OEM business, passenger vehicles, SUVs, and light trucks are able to travel comfortably and safely.
Advanced ceramic friction technology was used to create this product, which offers higher stopping power and peak performance characteristics.
Are aftermarket brake pads more effective than OEM ones?
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.
Do Akebono brakes come from the USA?
The most well-known brand of original equipment manufacturer brake pads in North America is Akebono, which is proudly produced there. Shop our ultra-premium collection of Akebono brake pads at NAPA Auto Parts when it’s time to replace your brake pads.
Are the brake pads for Akebono made in China?
Michigan’s FARMINGTON HILLS – (November 4, 2014)
The Auto International Association (AIA) has recognized Akebono Brake Corporation’s EURO Ultra-Premium ceramic disc brake pads as the Best Overall Import Aftermarket Product.
“We are honored by this recognition by the Auto International Association and this award is a testament to Akebono’s continued focus on delivering the best braking solutions,” said Ken Selinger, director, aftermarket sales and marketing, Akebono. “Akebono’s EURO Ultra-Premium ceramic disc brake pad line provides automakers with unprecedented vehicle control and response rates, giving European automakers the best application-specific braking solution for each vehicle.”
The first ceramic disc pad specifically created to suit the performance-specific criteria of European automobiles, such as NVH, dust, and pedal pulsation, was Akebono’s award-winning EURO line, which was initially introduced to the industry in 2005. More than 1.3 million copies have been sold since the product first appeared on the market.
By reaching the 2021 low-copper criteria under California and Washington restrictions 16 years ahead of laws, Akebono demonstrated that it is a pioneer in ceramic brake technology. Audi, BMW, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, SAAB, VW, and Volvo are just a few of the European vehicle applications that the EURO line is intended exclusively for.
With over 270 models already factory installed, Akebono has the most application-specific friction formulas available on the market. The USA-made, ultra-premium ceramic brake pads from Akebono are OE-engineered to improve the model-specific performance required by each vehicle.
The aim of the AIA, which has supported free and fair trade since its formation in 1981, is to provide a bridge between the global automotive industry and the North American aftermarket and to give its members the resources they need to successfully import into and export from North America. The Auto Care Association includes the AIA division.
Is Akebono closing its doors?
The U.S. division of a Japanese company that makes car brakes was among those negatively impacted when automotive behemoth General Motors went under during hard economic times.
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.
Do ceramic brake pads damage rotors more quickly?
The materials utilized to make each brake pad are the only difference between ceramic brake pads and semi-metallic brake pads (see video).
There are specific scenarios where ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads both offer different benefits when deciding whether to use them on a vehicle.
Most drivers prefer semi-metallic brake pads because they offer greater braking over a wider variety of temperatures and situations, making them the finest brake pads for towing, track driving, and performance vehicles. 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.
While quieter, ceramic brake pads can withstand exceptionally high temperatures with quick recovery, resulting in less harm to the braking rotors. 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. Over the course of their career, ceramic brake pads offer superior noise management and less wear and tear to brake rotors without losing braking performance, and they often last longer than semi-metallic brake pads. Research is required before choosing between semi-metallic and ceramic brake pads because not all vehicle 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.
Which is superior, Akebono or Brembo?
Around the car communities, Akebono, Brembo, and Wagner brake pads are frequently compared, so I thought I’d weigh in.
All three are reputable manufacturers, of course. That does not imply that their brakes are identical to one another. You should consider your car’s manufacture and your preferences, such as minimal dusting, less fading, and more aggressive biting.
When to choose Akebono: ProAct brake pads are some of the least dusty available (check latest prices here). Additionally, the innovative ceramic construction of their (US-made!) braking rotors results in the least amount of rotor wear and tear imaginable.
Notably, Akebono is the finest option for OEM replacements for European cars. Just be certain to purchase their Euro ceramic pads (this type). the sole aftermarket pads specifically designed for European cars.
When to choose Brembo: Brembo is for people who enjoy more daring driving, as the stunning red shims demonstrate. The brake pads from Brembo feature a stronger bite and better stopping force. Yes, even when contrasted to the performance lines of Wagner or Akebono.
Three layers of carefully constructed Elastomer-Steel-Elastomer make up Brembo’s iconic red shims. The outcome? In more extreme circumstances, there will be less noise and less shaking. But let’s dust a little more.
When to choose Wagner: Akebono performs extremely similarly to Wagner pads. ThermoQuiet pads (available in kits here) will give you a smoother bite, extremely reduced dusting, and excellent heat resistance.
The TQs’ main advantage is how quiet they are because of their “one-piece” pad design. This will be covered later in the article. TQs, by far, are the quietest aftermarket pads currently available.
So, to conclude before I delve deeper into my analysis of these tree brands:
What is the meaning of Akebono?
The company’s founder, Mr. Sanji Osame, named it Akebono, which is Japanese for dawn. His hometown of Mokakeson in the Japanese prefecture of Okayama, where he enjoyed watching the breaking waves, served as the source of the name.
Since Japan’s Heian Period, traditional Japanese poetry known as Waka has portrayed the scenic magnificence of this area (794-1185). In actuality, the area would come to be renowned as the birthplace of the breaking dawn.
after renowned samurai Taira no Tadamori (1096–1153) mentioned the beauty of the region in one of his songs.