Brake pads vary in different aspects so it may be difficult to specifically say that one brand is the best to buy. Consider that the brake pads of a sports car differ from a streetcar as the pads of an old model car may be different from the brake pads of modern cars.
This review will help you find the best brake pads according to your type of car and your driving conditions. We have ten of the best brake pads each with their good features and impressive specs. Keep in mind that brake pads are integral components of any vehicle’s braking system so it’s important to choose wisely.
What are brake pads?
Brake pads are thin blocks of material that grip the disc of a disc brake. Brake pads are lined with friction material and this rough material faces the disc brake rotor. As the driver hits the brake, the pads grip the disc brake and stop the wheels from moving. The first brake pads were made from asbestos but over the years other safer and more efficient materials were used such as organic materials, semi-metallic materials, and ceramic.
List of the Best Brake Pads of 2020
Last update on 2021-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#1. Bosch BC905 QuietCast Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad
One of the most popular car brake pads is the Bosch BC905 QuietCast Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad. This comes with advanced ceramic friction formula that is the same aluminum alloy used for aerospace engineering. This is a quiet copper-free brake pad compliant to standards.
The durable chemical formula creates a protective component on the rotor and the pad surface which extends the life of the brake pad plus the rotor. The shim will last longer and this means this will operate with less noise, improved brake strength, and enhanced corrosion resistance.
Everything you need to install the Bosch BC905 is in the QuietCast Kit. This works for full-line domestic, European and Asian cars and is compliant with the 2025 Copper Free Legislation standards.
Conclusion: The Bosch QuietCast Premium Disc Brake Pads are quiet, durable, long-lasting and safe. It is made from the best braking technologies and materials plus comes with all you need for installation. These are the reasons why it is one of the best brake pads to buy this year.
- Advanced ceramic friction formula
- Protective braking layer
- Long-lasting shim
- Quiet operation
- With hardware kit
- Copper-free
- Comes with lubricant
- Complaints of incomplete installation kit
VIDEO
Bosch QuietCast Brake Pads and Rotors
#2. ACDelco 17D1367CH Professional Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pad Set
The most important part of choosing the best brake pads is safety. The ACDelco 17D1367CH is a ceramic disc brake pad set. It has passed brake pads tests for safety, noise, harshness, vibration, and durability.
Because these pads are made of ceramic, organic and semi-metallic, you’ll find this safe and reliable for a large variety of vehicles. It is made from integrally-molded friction material that has been integrated to the backing plate for improved strength.
It comes with high-quality, premium shins, chamfers and slots that will reduce noise. The backing plate is stamped and this allows improved pad movement in the caliper. All these great features reduce brake pad premature wear.
Conclusion: The ACDelco 17D1367CH is a professional ceramic front disc brake set that is safe, quiet, effective and vibration-less. It has a ceramic, semi-metallic and organic formula with integrally molded friction material which makes the pads stronger. It could be the durable brake pad that’s safe and perfect for your vehicle.
- Less noise, less vibration
- Durable brake pads
- Trusted formula
- Improved integrity
- Reduced wear and tear
- Loud to use for some
#3. Akebono ACT787 ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set
The Akebono ACT787 ProACT ceramic brake pad set has been certified safe and durable. It is an upgrade for the OE semi-metallic, low-metallic and organic pads. These are very quiet because of its improved design and materials. It vibrates less and will not be harsh to use.
It comes with improved effectiveness and there is no need to wait for a break-in period. These brakes will work well right away even right after you install these on your car.
These pads are rotor-friendly and enhance rotor life. It is optimized with a ceramic formula to improved performance.
Conclusion: The Akebono ACT787 ProACT ceramic brake pad set offers a lot of advantages to vehicle-owners and drivers. It is quiet, effective, safe and will have fewer vibrations. It does not have a break-in period. This brake pad is rotor-friendly and thus preserves rotor life.
- Best upgrade pads
- Very quiet
- Improved effectiveness
- No break-in periods
- Rotor-friendly
- Preserves rotor life
- Not for Honda Accords
- Makes rims dirty
#4. Toyota Genuine Parts 446506100 Front Brake Pad Set
These brake pads are the best fit for Toyota vehicles. The Genuine Parts 446506100 Front Brake Pad Set is a direct fit and is especially-designed to improve the dynamics of Toyota vehicles’ braking systems.
You’ll get precision-matched plates that let the brake pads move inside the calipers. This means that these pads will work smoothly and efficiently.
If you have a Toyota then this is the brake pads for you. These are designed according to the tolerances and specifications of Toyota vehicles.
Conclusion: The Toyota Genuine Parts 446506100 Front Brake Pad Set is all-original brake pads for Toyota vehicles. These are designed to make every braking smooth, efficient and failure-free. It also guarantees less noise. If you ride a Toyota then these brake pads will surely suit your vehicle’s specifications.
- Direct fit
- Will maintain dynamics
- Precision –machined
- For smooth operation
- Only for Toyota vehicles
#5. StopTech 309.10780 Street Performance Front Brake Pad
For street-driven cars, the StopTech 309.10780 Street Performance Front Brake Pad is a good choice. First of all, you’ll get more value out of your money because of its high maximum operating temperature.
This set has improved actuation, modulation, and release. Your brake will never fail no matter how long or how hot the street driving conditions are. It is made from para-Aramid composites for better linear response.
The StopTech is designed for light track use during the day when the road condition is tough as well as for autocross environments. This brake pad set has all you need for installation as well.
Conclusion: The StopTech 309.10780 Street Performance Front Brake Pad is made for street use. It has a high maximum temperature so it won’t fade no matter how much you use it. It offers improved performance and will surely make your car safer on the road.
- High temperature
- Reduces fade
- Improved performance
- Complete accessories
- Easy installation
- Complaints of noise
- Complaints of vibration
#6. Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1324 Ceramic Disc Pad Set
The Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1324 was not named quiet for anything. These are ceramic disc brake pad sets that are known to be 35 percent quieter. It also provides more stopping power because of its improved design.
These pads are long-lasting and will guarantee cleaner wheels as your car breezes through the streets. It is easy to install too. You may choose to have a professional to help you install these pads or you can also do it yourself.
Conclusion: The Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1324 is a ceramic disc brake pad set that is perfect for warm conditions. It will resist tear because of its longer lasting design. It also guarantees more stopping power and cleaner wheels when used.
- Quieter than others
- Improved stopping power
- Long lasting
- Clean wheels
- Complaints about installation
- Not for all vehicles
#7. Centric 105.0436 Posi-Quiet Ceramic Brake pad with Shims
The Centric 105.0436 is a ceramic brake pad that comes with shims. You will be safe on or off the road with these ceramic brake pads. It offers extreme pressure compression that holds the material to create improved material density.
It is specially designed with a shaved backing that will help reduce vibrations and noise as the pad fits firmly on the caliper. You’ll get consistent braking power no matter what the driving conditions are.
This Centric ceramic brake pad comes with improved friction performance in all temperature ranges and thus this enhances braking power with extreme noise reduction.
Conclusion: The Centric brake pads offer improved braking power and enhanced features. It vibrates less and will have minimal noise. It comes with improved braking performance. You may also use this to brake pad that works even in high temperatures.
- Friction material
- Most advanced material
- Precision-cut
- Reduces vibration & noise
- Well-attached shims
- Stable performance
- No known flaw
#8. EBC Brakes FA409HH Disc Brake Pad Set
Drive safe with a reliable braking system with a dependable EBC Brakes FA409HH Disc Brake Pad Set. This set is made from die-cast aluminum fitted with bonded with brake linings.
These pads are radius-ground and perfectly trimmed. The lead-in and out chamfers at the lining ends all help reduce noise, vibrations, and harshness. The original equipment style was kept while the springs are included.
Conclusion: The EBC Brakes FA409HH is a disc brake pad set that will give you a safe ride. It is designed to take the toughest abuse while having less noise, vibration, and movement. This might be the die-cast aluminum brake pads your braking system needs.
- High-pressure aluminum
- Precision-machined
- Smooth and efficient
- Original equipment included
- Complaints about noise
#9. ACDelco 17D785CH Professional Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set
The ACDelco 17D785CH is a Professional Ceramic Disc Brake Set that has been tested for noise, harshness, and vibration. These are ceramic, semi-metallic and organic making it safe and reliable which means that these are perfect for a wide variety of car models.
The design is an integrally-molded material that improves integrity. You’ll get premium shims, chamfers, and slots that will reduce noise, vibrations, and harshness.
These pads improve pad movement from within the assembly. You’ll get reduced noise, pulsations and from premature wear and tear.
Conclusion: The ACDelco 17D785CH is a professional disc brake pad set made from ceramic. It has been exclusively designed to provide less noise, pulsations, harshness, and premature wear. The design allows proper movement and reduces premature wear.
- Reduced noise
- Reduced vibrations & harshness
- Safe & reliable
- Proper pad alignment
- Protects from premature wear
- Modifications needed
#10. Akebono EUR918 EURO Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set
The Akebono EUR918 EURO Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set is an upgrade of OE organic, semi-metallic and low metallic brake pads. These guarantees low noise, harshness and vibrations and are rotor-friendly and will guarantee longer rotor life.
These are made especially for European vehicles so be sure to check if your vehicle is included in the list of compatible models.
Conclusion: The Akebono EUR918 EURO is a ceramic brake pad set that will reduce noise, unnecessary vibrations and harshness and are perfect for European vehicles. It reduces rotor fatigue and will guarantee longer life and safety of your vehicle as well.
- Ultimate upgrade
- Very quiet
- Fewer vibrations and harshness
- Rotor-friendly
- Only for European vehicles
Value Section on Brake Pads
When shopping for brake pads, consider the following important factors:
– The type of braking material
The type of braking material is important. Some materials are just too stiff while some are just too light. Usually, the type of material matters most because a cheap material cannot guarantee the effectiveness of the pads and your overall safety as well.
Usually, materials vary and are not controlled by any standard, therefore, there are some products that still use asbestos or cheap ceramic fibers. Dust from any worn brakes can be dangerous when inhaled therefore you must be mindful of low-priced pads.
The most common materials are organic and semi-metallic materials. Semi-metallic materials are the most common because it’s cheaper but are safer.
– The type of vehicle you drive
The type of vehicle counts a lot. There are specialty-made brake pads that will fit your vehicle so contact your dealer or visit your nearest garage or shop.
– Other important factors
Brake pads are quite a challenge to purchase and most of the time you need someone to help you out. Ask where the pads were made, if the manufacturer is ISO approved and if the pads were tested. All these will help you find safe, reliable and quiet brake pads for your vehicle.
Final Conclusion
There are a number of brake pads in the market, each with their specific features. You must never overlook the type of material, the type of vehicle you have, the brake pads specs and other important factors to be able to get the safest and reliable one for your vehicle.
P.s: You may wish to have a car trailer winch to help you out from the middle of a difficult situation.
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