Best brake pads
Disc brakes appeared in the distant 1902, but did not become widespread at that time. Today, every driver knows for sure that good brakes are the main secret of safe driving. The best brake pads provide a short stopping distance and also maintain disc integrity. The rating of the best will tell you how to make the right choice and what to look for when buying a brake system.

Content
How to choose a brake pad
When reviewing the offers of car dealerships, technical characteristics of products, user reviews, reviews and expert opinions were studied. When comparing models and adding them to the TOP of the best, the following criteria were taken into account:
- Quality and material of manufacture;
- Brand reputation;
- Wear sensor;
- Abrasiveness level;
- Silence;
- Working temperature;
- Test results;
- Value for money;
- Availability at car dealerships;
- Popularity with buyers.
Drivers of cars, commercial vehicles and owners of motor vehicles have the same general requirements for braking systems. The choice of pads depends primarily on their compatibility with auto discs and driving style. So, for a slow ride, budget counterparts are suitable. For an active one, it is better to take models from trusted manufacturers.
The best brake pads for foreign cars
World brands of braking systems are aimed at foreign cars. We have studied the market offers and selected 7 best manufacturers that make spare parts for German, Japanese, American and other cars and commercial vehicles.
Ate
The best German-made brake pads presented in the rating. They have been produced for over 100 years, during which time the Ate braking system has proven itself in the best possible way.
The friction material is constantly being developed. And the addition of non-ferrous metals improves its characteristics and brings the manufacturer's products to the premium class. Each product is thoroughly tested before being released to the market. Thanks to this, the workmanship is always at its best: the structure of the mixture is dense, homogeneous, the paint on the sides is neat, the base is made soundly.
Advantages
- Rust resistant;
- Durability;
- No dust;
- No noise or squeaks;
- High-quality packaging made of thick cardboard;
- Anti-counterfeiting protection.
disadvantages
- The price is higher than that of competitors;
- Difficult to find in stock.
Ate offers original and ceramic models. Both options are gentle on the discs, extending their lifespan.
Nisshinbo
Nisshinbo tops the list of Japanese-made brake pads. The centuries-old history of the brand proves their quality and reliability. And the unique diagonal groove design ensures uniform contact with the disc to minimize vibration and noise.
Products are characterized by optimal strength, flexibility, and stable performance. They take good care of the discs, preventing premature wear.
Advantages
- Lack of whistles;
- Optimal level of thermal expansion;
- Organic composition;
- No smell;
- Large selection of models.
disadvantages
- High price for non-original spare parts;
- A lot of fakes.
Nisshinbo should only be bought from trusted sellers, as there are many fakes of this brand on the market.
Zimmermann
The most reliable pads. The manufacturer's assortment includes more than 1,000 items for different brands and models of cars.Meticulous control during the manufacturing process and further testing of the declared technical characteristics of all products is carried out in the company's laboratory during the production of each new batch.
A special environmentally friendly coating protects the plate from corrosion and dirt. And the sintering technology allows you to minimize the grinding time. When heated, the braking accuracy only increases.
Advantages
- High quality packaging;
- No asbestos in the composition;
- Compliance with European quality standards;
- Comfortable braking.
disadvantages
- High price.
When buying pads, the manufacturer also recommends changing the discs, since the simultaneous replacement of the brake system and the installation of spare parts of the same brand will increase their performance and also extend their service life.
Wagner
The best brake pads coming from North America. In terms of price segment, Wagner covers all niches - from the most budgetary to the premium class. Ceramic one-piece models are among the quietest. Due to the tight contact of the friction material and the shackle, the product's service life is increased and the comfortable soft braking under any driving conditions.
Advantages
- Provide shorter braking distances;
- Doesn't eat discs;
- Manufacturer's reputation.
disadvantages
- Dust.
During the break-in period, drivers notice the stiffness of the pedal, but over time it goes away, providing a comfortable braking.
Ferodo
The most environmentally friendly brake pads in the ranking. The Eco-Friction range is the result of 5 years of research by the company's technologists. The brakes are designed with 25 components with low levels of heavy metals to ensure the braking system is effective, which minimizes harmful emissions into the environment. Ferodo products are original spare parts for conveyor cars of several Mercedes and Audi models.
For commercial vehicles, the company presents Premier models. They have an extended service life. The Target line is designed for a variety of riding styles. It is ideal for vehicles with multiple drivers. The Perfomance mark is suitable for motorists who prefer a sporty driving style. They remain as efficient as possible even when the brake pedal is pressed for a long time.
Advantages
- Noise suppression;
- Braking efficiency is 17% higher than that of analogues;
- Sold in most stores;
- Inexpensive price;
- Counterfeit protection;
- Cast iron carrier plate.
disadvantages
- There is a creak.
Ferodo is a company offering a wide range of models. Despite thoughtful protection against counterfeit products, motorists complain that there are quite a few of them on the market.
Trw lucas
Good brake pads, according to motorists. Cotec's special silicate coating improves the contact between disc and friction mixture, reducing stopping distance by 7 meters. This is especially important for emergency braking during the break-in period. The Dtec range of ceramic products is characterized by low dust generation. This has a beneficial effect on the cleanliness of the wheels as well as on the safety of braking.
All products are heated up to 600-700 degrees. This technology reduces lapping time and increases efficiency at high heat. Forming takes place under high pressure for optimal density of the composition and reduction of its porosity. Powder coating on the plate prevents corrosion.
Advantages
- Lineup for most cars and motor vehicles;
- Long service life;
- Affordable price;
- Manufacturer's reputation.
disadvantages
- Sometimes they creak.
Trw Lucas cares about the environment and does not use heavy metals or toxic materials in its production.
Ebc brakes
Good front and rear brake pads made in the UK factory. There are 2 model lines produced under the Ebc Brakes brand:
- Ultimax;
- Bluestuff Ndx.
The first is a high-quality replacement for original spare parts for daily city driving.The range is wide - from passenger cars to heavy trucks and four-wheel drive SUVs.
Bluestuff Ndx is a range for motorsport or for drivers with aggressive driving style. It is effective even in cold winters without pre-heating the brake system.
All the manufacturer's products have a special fastening of the friction material to the base through a layer that absorbs vibration, does not allow it to move or separate from the metal plate in extreme conditions.
Advantages
- Optimal thermal regime, matched to the driving style;
- Long wear and tear;
- Compliance with European safety requirements;
- Do not get dusty.
disadvantages
- There are many fakes on the market.
Ebc Brakes is an option for those who want to abandon original braking systems. It is a worthy replacement at a lower cost.
The best brake pads for domestic cars
The number of manufacturers making pads for Russian cars is much smaller, but it is important to mention them too. The Russian plant has significantly increased its share in the vehicle fleet, which is also important for the automotive parts market. We analyzed domestic products and identified the best 3.
Sts
One of the best Russian brake pads. The product range is high. There are options for almost any model of the Russian car industry, as well as for the jointly developed Kia and Renault cars. Friction mixtures consist of 15 components, include additives to stabilize the car and reduce the noise level during operation, are reliably protected from separation from the plate.
Advantages
- High resource;
- Compliant with European standards;
- Low price.
disadvantages
- With repeated braking, the coefficient of friction decreases.
The quality of Sts products is not worse than imported products. However, its price is much lower.
Wati
Good eco-friendly pads for domestic cars. Vati offers products suitable only for VAZ vehicles. Asbestos is excluded from their composition. Frictional properties show satisfactory results in cold operation, as well as at high temperatures after heating.
Advantages
- Quiet work;
- High wear resistance;
- No squeaks or noises;
- Low price.
disadvantages
- Small lineup;
- With strong heating, the friction material may shrink.
MarKon
The best brake pads for VAZ budget segment. The range of the company includes more than 500 models. Due to the soft friction mixture, the products adhere gently to the discs, do not allow them to wear out prematurely. Although the pads themselves are quickly erased, requiring replacement. On average, they are enough for 30,000-50,000 runs. In the process of lapping, the pads make squeaks, but then they disappear until the end of the operation process.
Advantages
- Low price;
- Good heat dissipation;
- Maintainability.
disadvantages
- Need to change frequently;
- Are gathering dust.
Which brake pad is better to buy
When choosing pads, you need to pay attention to the quality of the packaging, the evenness, the distinctness of the inscriptions on it. The year and country of issue must also be indicated, you need to check the availability of certification marks for the goods, then inspect the appearance of the goods. There should be no chips or dents on it, the pad should lie tightly on the base.
In addition to the product itself, the package usually contains a passport, warranty card, quality certificate, operating instructions. Experts recommend putting front and rear pads on cars at the same time for even wear.
The choice of brake systems for foreign cars is great, the TOP manufacturers of these products include:
- Ate is one of the world market leaders. These products are great for any riding style. They are also durable and increase the life of the discs;
- Nisshinbo is the most reliable Japanese manufacturer in the ranking. His models have a clever design for uniform contact with the disc;
- Zimmermann is a company that guarantees the quality of every product supplied to the market through production control and rigorous performance checks. These pads do not need time for lapping, they give maximum efficiency immediately after leaving the car service;
- Wagner is the best American manufacturer of braking systems, covering all price segments of the market;
- Ferodo is the author of eco-friendly pads with minimal addition of heavy metals to the friction mixture;
- Trw Lucas produces the best braking performance. They do not generate dust, they can withstand extremely high temperatures. The brand's lineup is wide: it presents brake systems for cars and motorcycles;
- Ebc Brakes are the best aftermarket pads with good braking performance and safety.
The best manufacturers of pads for the Russian car industry were:
- Sts is the company with the widest range of products. Its product quality is comparable to that of imported manufacturers;
- Vati - products with an environmentally friendly composition without asbestos for VAZ vehicles;
- MarKon are the cheapest pads in the ranking.
Having studied the TOP-10, the driver will understand which brand's brake pads are better to buy for a car, based on his driving style, financial capabilities and technical priorities.
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