Kane Dan
Top-quality replacement brake pads are one of the most important car parts when it comes to the maintenance of a vehicle.
These vital components of the braking system of a car are considered as life savers in various situations.
Without these components, the car won’t be able to stop no matter how hard the brake pedal is slammed.
Failing to replace worn pads with the best brake pads available will also jeopardize safety since braking is significant in any driving conditions.
It will also make difficult for the car to slow down at every turn it has to make, increasing the risk of encountering an accident.
If you are looking to replace your worn out brake pads with the an ideal and reliable one, here’s a buying guide to help you.
In A Hurry? Here’s My Top Picks…
Table could not be displayed.10 Top Rated Car Brake Pads Comparisons
Listed below are the top-rated brake pad models available in the market today.
So, without further ado, let me guide you through my in-depth product comparison to help you choose the right brake pads for your car.
1. Hawk’s HB453F.585 High-Performance Street Ferro-Carbon Disc Brake
Manufactured by a well-renowned brand in the automotive aftermarket industry, the HB453F.585 High-Performance Street (HPS) Ferro-Carbon Disc Brake Pads has a reputation that makes it very popular.
With its impressive stopping power and ability to keep up with the high demands of high-performing street vehicles, this is a product that you should check out.
As a product that embodies its proud brand, the disc brake pads are engineered with its patented HPS compound.
A sophisticated technology that allows it to deliver optimum performance without producing too much heat that can affect the rotors.
This greatly improves its stopping power allowing the pads to keep up with high-performance street vehicles.
This particular brake pad model features a distinctive and one of a kind Ferro-Carbon disc brake formula.
A unique technology blueprint based on both the quality and safety standards used for motorsports and aerospace friction technology.
This allows this brake pad model to produce higher traction that greatly increases its stopping power by twenty to thirty percent.
Overall, after considering all the excellent features and the drawbacks it presents, this pair brake pads by Hawk Auto Parts is a solid replacement part that deserves attention.
As a model that can endure and keep up with the demands of high-performance streetcars, the benefits it has to offer are too good to pass out.
Pros
- Exceptional stopping power
- Quiet braking operation
- Gentle to rotors
- Produce minimal heat
Cons
- Expensive brake pads
- Can wear down rotors
2. ACDelco’s 171-1040 Original Front Disc Brake Pad Set For GM Vehicles
The second brake pad set on the list is the 171-1040 original equipment front disc brake kit for GM vehicles.
As a specially fabricated brake pad model, it promises to deliver the performance, reliability, durability, and lifespan that a GM brake pad should.
So, if you are an owner of a General Motors vehicle, this is the model that you have to check out.
The original front disc brake pad set manufactured by ACDelco is an integrally molded unit, where the material that produces friction is forged to the backing plate.
This gives this unit better bond integrity resulting in better performance, improved durability as well as extended service life.
Since this brake pad model is considered to be an original factory part built for GM vehicles, this is obviously a recommended product by General Motors.
This particular unit is carefully engineered to have the performance, specifications, and design to perfectly fit GM-built cars.
This eliminates any issues with regards to installation as well as compatibility, allowing drivers to maximize its function.
In conclusion, this OEM ceramic front disc brake set is an excellent model that has a lot of great features to offer.
But that only goes for vehicles made by General Motors, and if you own a vehicle with a different brand, this model is a useless unit to you.
However, if you have a GM vehicle, then this can be the right product for you.
Pros
- Top of the line shims
- No vibrations and noise
- Impressive performance
- Excellent Stopping power
Cons
- Only designed for GM vehicles
- Incompatibility issues
3. Bosch’s BC905 QuietCast Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set
As a product manufactured by a very popular brand with an unparalleled reputation, this next brake pad model will overwhelm you with plenty of impressive features.
This is the BC905 QuietCast Disc Brake Pad from Bosch. With its reliability, durability, performance, and longer service life, it is definitely a unit that every driver should check out.
The brake pad set is a model made from top of the line materials that has the toughness to endure the test of time.
It is masterfully crafted with Bosch’s dedicated engineering to ensure remarkable stopping power, to minimize dust buildup, and to deliver quiet performance.
This unit features a multilayer shim rubber core that efficiently insulates operational noise.
This particular model of disc brake is crafted with the patented aerospace alloy that allows it to produce semi-metallic and copper-free ceramic friction formula for increased stopping power.
This showcased braking expertise allows this unit to be gentle and protect the rotor, making it very safe and efficient.
It features chamfers and slots that make the installation of this unit very straightforward.
After taking everything into consideration, it is safe to say that this Ceramic Disc Brake from Bosch is one of the strongest candidates on the list.
If you are going to take a closer look at its benefits and drawbacks, this model virtually doesn’t have a downside.
As long as it fits in your car perfectly, you will get the best value for your money. Just make sure it fits.
Pros
- Prolongs the lifespan of the rotor
- Efficient and reliable
- Quiet operation
- Premium, high-grade materials
Cons
- Difficult to install
- Incompatibility issues
4. Brembo’s P83024N Disc Brake Pad Set (Rear)
Best known for outperforming most of the conventional semi-metallic models, this P83024N model of rear disc brake pad from Brembo is another great option to consider.
As a model that promises superior traction for exceptional stopping power and sturdy construction that boosts its durability extending its service life. If the smart buy is what you look for, this is the one.
The disc brake pad model from Brembo is a ceramic unit that brings a lot of excellent features.
Aside from the fact that it is crafted using high-grade materials to boost durability.
It is engineered with a braking technology that gives it an improved performance in braking, making it a far more superior model compared to its traditional counterparts.
Brembo is considered as one of those companies that understand the science behind the silent operation.
On that note, you can expect that the brake pad set will have a quiet yet efficient performance.
Another great thing about this model is that it is designed to minimize the amount of brake dust that it produces in every stoppage, prolonging the lifespan of the rotor.
In the end, I can say that “size doesn’t matter” because despite being smaller compared to the traditional ones.
This model from Brembo has a lot of good features that are very beneficial to your car and your safety. It may be pricey, but it’s sure worth every penny that you will invest in it.
Pros
- Sturdy build and construction
- Straightforward installation process
- Offers better performance
- Rotor friendly
Cons
- Pricey for being an average unit
- Smaller compared to the normal
5. EBC Brakes’s DP31210C Redstuff Ceramic Brake Pad Set
Next on the list is a model that claims to have a longer service life while outperforming the standard ceramic brake pads in the market.
This is the DP31210C Redstuff Brake Pad Set manufactured by EBC Brakes.
Boasting a performance like any other ceramic type brake pads out there, this is a product that you have to check out.
Considered to be one of the best and ideal replacements for European vehicles, this model is a unit designed to produce an incredible amount of friction with minimal heat.
This is a patented technology that allows the unit to reduce the damage or harm to the rotor, extending its service life.
The brake pad set is engineered to greatly reduce the emission of brake dust that can add to the wear and tear of the vehicle.
In fact, this model has the lowest dust pad coverage on the entire list.
This is why a lot of seasoned drivers recommend it for streetcars as well as premium sedans.
If you own a European build vehicle, it is safe to say that this model is one of the best replacements you have to consider.
While for non-European cars, fitting this model can be more complex.
However, taking a deeper look at the features that this brake pad has to offer, it is still a one of a kind brake pad model that deserves to be on this list.
Pros
- Lowest range of dust pad emission
- Longer-lasting ceramic brake pads
- Excellent stopping power
- Rotor friendly pads
Cons
- Only fits well on European cars
- Harmful to rotors
6. ACDelco’s 171-0999 Original Rear Disc Brake Pad Set For GM
Same as the first ACDelco product on this list, this 171-0999 rear disc brake pad model is an original equipment part specially made for GM vehicles.
It is a General Motors official replacement part that offers the expected optimum performance, reliability, durability as well as service life from a GM vehicle part since they are built to pass the same high standards of safety, efficiency, and quality.
The rear disc brake pad set is an original GM replacement part manufactured by ACDelco, and it is built according to the same caliber and standards that suits the vehicle brand.
This simply means that this particular rear brake pad model is integrally molded to feature the patented shims and braking technology to deliver its expected performance.
This original rear brake pad model is built to have the distinctive slots as well as chamfers to ensure its perfect fit.
With the same purpose of making the installation or mounting of this brake pad easier.
This model has the same form, style, and features that every GM vehicle prefers, which eliminates the issues in the fitting.
By taking all into consideration, this ACDelco rear brake pad set is a great replacement option for car owners with GM vehicles.
Simply because it is an original equipment part, it only means that it will surely deliver the functionality, reliability, and durability expected from it.
Sad to say that other vehicle brands can’t benefit from it.
Pros
- Top of the line shims
- No vibrations and noise
- Impressive performance
- Excellent stopping power
Cons
- OEM for GM cars only
- Incompatibility issues
7. Akebono’s EUR918 Euro Ultra-Premium Disc Brake Set
Next on the list is a great contender from Akebono, the EUR918 Euro Ultra-Premium.
Showcasing a braking technology that allows it to smoothly interact with the rotors, this pad promises to deliver a remarkable stopping power that can handle the demands of high-performance vehicles.
With its sophisticated technology, this is a unit that every driver should consider.
This product is a ceramic brake pad set that can deliver an exceptional stopping power.
This model is engineered with a sophisticated braking technology that allows it to work alongside the rotor, boosting the breaking of the vehicle.
These pads are fabricated from a mixture of semi-metallic, low metallic, and organic materials that make these pads durable and reliable.
As suggested by its name, the brake pads are considered to be one of the ideal replacement parts for European built vehicles.
This model is built to operate quietly and with minimal vibration, making it rotor-friendly.
With this clever design, the wear and tear of the rotor are greatly reduced, which results in prolonged service life.
With all of the benefits and drawbacks, this brake pad set weighed, this brake pad kit is a great investment.
With its plenty of impressive features along with its reliability, it gives a good value for its price.
However, this unit is recommended for European vehicles only.
Pros
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Superior performance
- Great durability
- Friendly to rotors
Cons
- Recommended for European cars
- Incompatibility issues
8. Toyota’s 446506100 Genuine Brake Pad Set (Front)
For Toyota owners out there, whether it’s a car or a truck, the 446506100 Genuine Brake Pad Set is the best replacement option to check out.
As an authentic OEM part, this front brake pad kit model showcases patented sophisticated braking technology of Toyota.
They are ensuring consumers the performance, dependability, and durability that they need.
Since the brake pad set is a Toyota original equipment manufacturer part, it has a direct fit to ensure a perfect fixture.
These brake pads are engineered with the brand’s patented technology that delivers incredible stopping power, safety, and long-lasting service life.
Toyota’s unique braking system gives these precision-machined brake pads the ability to move within the calipers.
This clever engineering results in better traction that boosts performance and smooth operations. It eliminates the noise and vibration that may harm the rotor.
The fact that this model is a Toyota OEM vehicle part makes it the best replacement kit for Toyota vehicles.
It is an obvious choice for Toyota car owners not only because these pads are built according to the brand’s standards, but they also offer the performance and features like the original part.
Pros
- Built to perfectly fit Toyota
- Exceptional performance
- Excellent reliability
- Direct fit feature
Cons
- Exclusively fabricated for Toyota
- Incompatibility issues
9. Hawk’s HB370F.559 High-Performance Ceramic Brake Pad Set
Incredible traction for outstanding stopping power quiet braking operation is just a few great features of the HB370F.559 HPS Ceramic Brake Pad from Hawk Auto Parts.
As a product fabricated by a well-known brand with an excellent reputation, this brake pad model has the reliability and efficiency that presents plenty of benefits.
The product is a ceramic brake pad kit engineered to handle the demanding braking operation of high-performance street vehicles.
These pads are designed to deliver a tremendous amount of stopping power without producing vibration and heat that may add a rotor’s wear and tear.
This brake pad model from Hawk Auto Parts also features a Ferro-Carbon engineering blueprint that allows it to provide exceptional traction for effective operation.
This model is crafted to eliminate the noise from the unit, making its operations virtually noiseless.
With this braking mechanics, this unit has the capability to keep up with highly demanding operations that makes it recommended for streetcars.
If you own a high-performance streetcar or a vehicle that requires a lot of stopping power, this Hawk’s Ceramic Brake Pad Kit is one of your best options.
Despite its minor setback, the beneficial features packed in this brake pad kit are too good to be overlooked or to be taken for granted.
Pros
- Exceptional stopping power
- Virtually noise-free
- Easy to install
- Perfect for street cars
Cons
- Harmful to rotors
- Generates a lot of heat
10. ACDelco’s 17D785CH Professional Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Kit
Perfect for GM made cars, ACDelco’s Professional 17D785CH Brake Pad Kit is the officially approved OEM part by General Motors.
Built according to the high standards of the popular vehicle manufacturer, this braking system is a sure performer.
The product is a ceramic brake pad kit built to pass the SAE J2784 quality assurance test.
This simply means that this model from ACDelco provides incredible braking effectiveness as well as exceptional durability.
It is engineered to operate with virtually zero noise, vibration, and harshness that greatly reduces the wear on the rotor.
Like the other ACDelco brake pad model on this list, the brake pad model has the friction material directly molded to the backing plate.
This integral molding allows these pads to be more durable, extending their service life.
This brake technology also ensures that every part of the pads can produce traction for more effective stopping power.
If you are a GM vehicle owner, it is safe to say that this ACDelco’s brake pad kits are the best replacement part for you.
As an official OEM part of General Motors, these brake pads are built to deliver the performance they are expected to deliver. In addition to that, this model is built to last.
Pros
- Top quality shims
- Exceptional reliability
- Excellent performance
- Great durability
- Virtually noise-free
Cons
- Only suitable for GM vehicles
- Incompatibility issues
Buying Guide For Brake Pads
Despite having a list of the top brake pad models in the market today, you will still have a lot of difficulties picking the best suitable one that suits your needs.
This is why you should have the proper knowledge with regard to this particular vehicle part.
Having a good and basic understanding of vehicles is beneficial when you are looking for a replacement part.
Not only will that help you save time and effort, but it will also help you get the best deals available that will give you the opportunity to save money.
Let’s start by reviewing some of the most common questions asked with regards to brake pads and a car’s braking system.
With answers based from the professional mechanics and car experts, going through these questions and answers will give you the proper knowledge about brake pads.
Brake Pads Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Brake Pads?
Brake pads are an essential disc brake component composed of bonded friction materials and backing plates that are made out of steel.
The surface of the plates with the materials that can produce the traction face the disc brake rotor, allowing the entire unit to operate.
Disc brakes are commonly seen on cars, but they are also used in various applications.
How Do Brake Pads Work?
To understand how brake pads work, you have to take a look at how the entire braking system operates.
A car’s braking system comprises a braking caliper, the brake pads, and a brake rotor. The rotor is a braking component that sits in the middle of the brake caliper attached to the pads.
When pressure is applied on the car’s brake pedal, the pads squeeze the rotating rotor that puts the vehicle to a stop.
How Many Brake Pads Does A Car Have?
Brake pads come in sets to ensure braking effectiveness, and the number of brake pads a will have depends on the number of disc brakes it uses.
Normally, a car has two disc brakes, one installed on the front and the other on the rear, which means it will have two sets of pads.
If you count them individually, there will be four brake pads on a car.
How Do I know When Brake Pads Need To Be Replaced?
One way of knowing if it’s time to replace your brake pads is by checking and observing its performance.
If the braking system of your car shows poor performance, that means there is something wrong.
This downgrade of performance may be caused by low brake fluid, a worn-out rotor, or worn-out brake pads.
At this point, you can check the braking system to see and pinpoint that causes your car’s low braking efficiency.
You can also consult a mechanic to be sure what is the real cause.
Once the brake pads are confirmed to be the cause of poor brake performance, it is the right time to get a replacement part.
Keep in mind that you have to check both disc brakes, the one in front and the one on the rear of the car.
4 Things To Consider In Buying The Ideal Brake Pads
The list of the top ten brake pads available today does not guarantee that you will get the best one for your car.
The purpose of the list is just to give you an idea of the best options that you can consider when you are looking for the best suitable pads for your car.
However, there are significant things that you can consider to increase your chances of getting the best suitable pads for your car.
You can learn more about these things to consider by reading through the guide below.
1. Cost, Fit, And Installation Process
One of the most significant things you have to consider when looking for the best brake pad kit is the fit of the replacement part.
In buying a replacement, you first have to make sure that you know the right specifications of the product that you need. It has to be consistent with your vehicle, and it should have a perfect fit.
The installation process is also a significant thing to think about. Going for the products that are easier to install, allows you to DIY that has a lot of potentials to save money.
The price of the brake pads is also very important since you want to at least get the best value for the money that you want to invest in.
On that note, it is advisable that you get the best available deal.
To do this, you have to make sure that you understand what exactly you are looking for and compare the products along with their prices.
That increases your chance of getting the right one that suits your needs.
2. Longevity Or Service Life
Another significant factor to think about when buying replacement brake pads is the longevity the particular product has to offer.
Products with a long service life are beneficial since you can get the most out of them.
The longer the product lasts, the better because it will keep you from spending money on repairs as well as will give a lot of time to save before it is replaced.
On that note, going for products that can last longer is very advisable and can be considered to be a smart decision.
So, make sure to consider the service life of the brake pad that you will purchase.
3. Friction Or Traction Production
The friction profile is one of the most important qualities that you have to consider when looking for the best brake pad kit.
It is the information that will determine the effectiveness of the brake pads and their capacity in different braking conditions.
It also tells about the ability of the brake pads to perform at different temperatures or conditions.
So, make sure to check out the friction profile of the brake pads before making a purchase of any product.
Double-check the information to be sure that the pads you will purchase will fit the profile that you need to ensure good performance and be satisfied.
4. Noise, Vibration, And Harshness (NVH)
Every driver would agree that one of the most annoying experiences is having a squealing braking system, where every pressure applied on the pedal is responded with an irritating squeal.
To avoid this issue, you have to make sure that the model of brake pads you will get offers quiet braking operations.
You can do this by taking a look at the level of noise and vibration the unit produces when it operates.
The level of harshness also gives an idea of how the brake pads interact with the rotor.
If the harshness level is low, it simply means that it is a rotor-friendly pad model that can extend the lifespan of the rotor.
Conclusion
Now that you have the information that you need to help you pick the ideal pair of brake pads in the market. You are now ready to shop for the replacement part that you need.
With list of the top ten products that are considered to be the best by the experts. Your chances of getting the ideal pair of brake pads will increase.
Just keep in mind that in order to get the best product available, you have to make sure to take a deeper look at your options, compare them from each other, and then go from there.
