As you already know, there are a few different options when it comes to brake pads. Among them, ceramic is the preferred choice. However, other factors directly impact the overall longevity of a brake pad.
So, how do you find the longest-lasting brake pads on the market? Apart from longevity, it would help if you also looked at the performance of the brake pads. If they are not performing well, they are not worth having on your car.
There are a couple of questions that I would like to ask first.
1. What’s the year, make, and model of your vehicle?
Most of the time, it’s better to just go with OEM brake pads. For your peace of mind, OEM brake pads will give you the best compatibility. After that, you can opt for aftermarket brake pads to increase the braking performance.
2. What type of vehicle do you use? Is it an SUV? Do you tow with your car? Or is it a regular commuter car?
For rotors, get standard ones instead of drilled or slotted ones if your car is not equipped with them. When it comes to street-driven cars, mid-line pads like the Gold pads from most parts stores are the best option.
No products found.The OEM materials (semi-metallic or ceramic) should be used so that you don’t have to guess the material. You need a semi-metallic brake pad for a high-performance car or truck that has to tow a lot.
No products found.Akebono has been touted as a mild upgrade from OE that has given good results. Moreover, they are now Porsche’s original equipment supplier, so that speaks volumes for their quality.
No products found.Bosch Quietcast is also a good brake pad to consider. These brake pads are famous for a couple of reasons.
No products found.When it comes to stopping power and performance, ceramics and semi-metallic brake pads are the top choices. Ceramic rotors will last longer than semi-metallic ones. I would recommend ceramic pads and slotted rotors if you do fast, hard braking a lot.
The rotors differ in the following ways:
- Basic – For a normal driving scenario, the middle vents provide a good cooling system.
- Drilled – I like the way they look.
- Slotted – They help prevent brake fade and offer superior cooling.
Carbon-ceramic rotors are the only rotors that can make a difference, and those will push brake prices from the hundreds to thousands/tens of thousands of dollars.
It’s best not to buy street-legal pads for a race car. Since the brakes are made specifically for operating in a much higher temperature range, they won’t work properly for normal street driving.
Contents
Brake Pad Quality
There are categories of qualities for brake pads—for example, performance, daily driver, and economy. Prices are pretty close between economy and daily driver brake pads. However, there is also a slight difference in terms of quality and longevity.
Between the two, daily drivers are always preferred. Choose a brake pad that is from a trusted brand such as Raybestos, Centric, Bosch, or Powerstop.
In addition, ceramic brake pads always remain the best option. The heat resistance of ceramic is slightly better than that of semi-metallic materials. Furthermore, brake dust is produced far less as a result. Wear is a little faster for some people.
If you still prefer the benefits over the wear factors, you can easily replace the pads in two or three years after you have purchased them. When people talk about the economy category, they usually mean cheap.
Rather than get something from the economy option, I’d go for something from their daily driver category.
For Street Driving
You will never need more braking force than enough to lock your tires when driving on the street. If you’ve locked your tires, you’re not slowing down faster. No matter how tough the brake pad is, it has enough stopping power to lock the wheels.
The only differences are the amount of dust, noise, and how quickly your rotors will wear out (the harder the ceramics, the faster the rotors will wear out). The more elaborate pads will cost more and usually make more noise since race cars produce more noise.
It would be impossible even to come close to exceeding the heat tolerances people seem to mention when it comes to the brake system. The exception to this rule would be if you were carving canyons or something, but in this case, it doesn’t seem to apply.
Benefits Of Using Right Brake Pads
Obviously, the brakes on your automobile are crucial not just for this vehicle’s performance but also for your safety. Brake pads wear out as they are used, and their productivity decreases. You put unnecessary stress on your vehicle, as well as risk your own safety while driving.
It is ideal for replacing brake pads around 25,000-30,000 miles. It is also a good idea to check your brake pads periodically so that you are warned if they suddenly fail.
You don’t have to worry about brake pad replacements. Many of the aftermarket brake pads on the market perform as well or better than the original ones.
You can choose which formulation best meets your needs and preferences because of the innovation, and there are a variety of formulations available. Constant innovation ensures even better performance than the original products, which makes them an excellent choice.
As you know, they are also available in a wide price range. Since the difference between a good and a bad brake pad can mean the difference between life and death, it is recommended that you think carefully before buying them.
Also, don’t hesitate even if the price is higher. This is an investment that will ensure your well-being and the safety of your loved ones.
Things To Keep In Mind
Also, the type and model of the car you drive will affect what type of brake pads you choose. Race cars and regular cars both require the best brake pads. So before buying a car, you should first figure out what kind of driving style each particular brand/range is designed to accommodate.
There are a great many materials available when it comes to brake pads, thanks to the advancement of technology. There are three types of ceramics: ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic.
Before selecting one, make sure that you understand how each one works. The rest of the options are also still relevant and are possible. Even though ceramics are the latest in technology and perform very well, the others also have their place as well.
Since brake pads are available in a wide range of makes and models, you need to be certain of the brand and model that you need.
A good performance requires a seamless fit. When brake pads aren’t fitted properly, they cut into the rotors and damage them. Ask an expert for advice when you aren’t sure what design to choose for your car. Such cases cannot be taken lightly.
It is also important to regularly inspect and replace brake pads within a certain number of miles. Thus, you should be extra vigilant about how long brake pads last.
Final Words
Which brake pad type lasts the longest?
A ceramic brake pad would be the answer. They are easily the longest-lasting ones. The brake pedal is also firmer with ceramic pads than with organic ones. Their performance in extreme cold is not as decent as other pads, and they are not well suited to athletes.
Nevertheless, ceramic brake pads are quiet, comfortable, and durable, which makes them ideal for daily use. Ceramic rotors will wear out faster than semi-metallic ones, however. It would be wise to get a good set of ceramic brake pads with slotted rotors if you take a lot of hard, fast braking.