OEM Automotive Brake Pads

Get the Facts About Brake Pads

What they are: the textured surfaces atop the brake calipers in your vehicle's disc brake system.

What they do: act as friction-creators between the calipers and brake rotors, helping to slow and stop the vehicle's wheels and tires.

How many and what types there are: four -- organic, metallic/semi-metallic, ceramic, and carbon fiber.

Organic brake pads: the commonest -- ideal for everyday driving, relatively dependable, easier on rotors, and best of all, fairly inexpensive. They also don't produce a whole lot of dust. A lot of cars use them.

Ceramic brake pads: a bit more durable, reliable in all sorts of weather, and quieter. Plus, their dust doesn't stick to wheels as badly. Many sports cars use them.

Metallic/semi-metallic brake pads: work much better at high heat, feel firmer, and stand up to brake fade. A lot of trucks use them.

Carbon fiber brake pads: provide ultimate stopping power, as they're the highest-strength and superior at very high temperatures. As a result, many high-performance vehicles use them.

When to change them: normally, every 40,000 to 50,000 miles or so, but it depends on how and where you drive.

The signs they may be going bad: dashboard warning light, damaged pad surfaces, whining brakes, taking longer to stop, vibrations, and grinding. The last two often signify irregular pad wear due to rotor warp and possible rotor damage happening in real time.

Why buy genuine OEM brake pads: their compatibility with your brand and model is guaranteed.

Where can I order replacement brake pads online: our auto parts store. We've got plenty in stock. To find what you need more easily, sort our catalog by make, model, and model year. Buy them now, and we'll ship them in short order, right to your door.