Best Ceramic Brake Pads Reviews in 2022 – All The Experts’ Picks!

People who drive high-speed vehicles on a busy road know how crucial it is to have reliable brake pads. Brake pads are part of a braking system that includes a metal block with a friction component that works to help your car slow down.

You might not think so, but if your brake pads don't work the way they should or support your car in the long run, this could cause fatal accidents. Nowadays, people are more likely to choose ceramic pads instead of traditional semi-metal or organic pads.

Ceramic disc brake pads are one of the modern additions to the block. What makes it different from other brake pads is that it makes very little dust. Or, the dust that the cars pick up is more light and can be easily removable. They are also firm and long-wearing so that you will get an exceptional amount of service.

But, how can you pick the best ceramic brake pads out of a thousand options? To help you make a handy decision, we have got you covered with our top 7 products with a variety of features.

What Is Ceramic Disc Brake Pad?

For the past few years, ceramic disc brake pads have been a popular choice when it comes to getting a replacement for your factory brake pads. They are a mixture of copper fibers and ceramic materials to boost driver comfort.

As mentioned earlier, they are pretty known for having shallow dust. The lightweight nature of the dust will also make it easy to remove. Ceramic brake pads have the additional benefit of not compressing and being extremely stiff.

On top of that, ceramic disc brake pads provide a robust and confident brake pedal for a smooth stop. Drivers will get a lot of use from pads as they are highly durable. Even if you spend most of your time on city streets or freeways, ceramic brake pads are a perfect choice for you.

Their rotor-friendly design ensures a long-lasting lifespan for your brakes. What’s more, ceramic disc brake pads are extraordinarily resistant to heat. It doesn't count how many hours of driving you perform; you will always be at your top.

Lastly, anyone who wants to make an affordable but safe choice should look into ceramic brake pads.

Types of Brake Pads in The Market

In today’s market, disc brake pads are attainable in three types: organic, semi-metal, and ceramic. However, ceramic brake pads are not as old as the first two. They are still very new on the blocks.

Let’s look at these three types to get a clear image.

• Ceramic Brake Pads
• Organic Brake Pads
• Semi-Metal Brake Pads

Organic Brake Pads

Organic brake pads are the most common pads that you will find on many cars. They are made of organic components, such as Kevlar, carbon, rubber, or glass. These are mixed up with a resin agent that makes an original brake pad.

Some organic brake pads come in a logo with NAO, which means it doesn’t contain any asbestos. Asbestos is a friction material used on a lot of traditional organic brake pads. Despite these components, the organic pad stands out due to its less than 30% metal content.

The organic disc brake pads are affordable, quiet, easy to stop in cold weather, and relatively simple on your rotors. Apart from these remarkable features, organic brake pads are filthy. There is a greater possibility that you will need to clean dark, sticky dust from your wheels.

Additionally, these pads are prone to failure if you drive your automobile violently or irresponsibly.

Semi-Metal Brake Pads

This is another standard brake pad that is available on the market. These are made up of steel, copper, iron, and graphite. All of these metallic compounds are combined with a high heat resin.

Semi-metallic disc brake pads benefit in a few ways than an organic brake pad. These disc pads are far less compressible and soilable, providing increased input from the driving seat, particularly during heavy-duty braking.

Metallic brake pads provide increased braking performance as the temperature rises. They also have a broad performance range, and they function effectively throughout a wide range of temperatures. They are more versatile regardless of whether it is chilly or high temperature.

Though they are not as dusty as organic ones, they are probably dirty. These brake pads are somewhat harsh on brake rotors, and you may sometimes hear your vehicle make a squealing noise.

Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads incorporate a thin ceramic coating on the upper portion of the brake pad, which generates friction when it rubs against the rotors, enabling you to halt your vehicle.

They are way more effective in different driving situations and temperatures. The ceramic disc brake pads efficiently dissipate brake heat, providing a faster recovery time following a red light or stop sign.

Ceramic Brake Pads Pros and Cons

It's a good idea to put ceramic brake pads on your vehicle because they are better for you in the future. But there are also some downsides to them, as well.

Benefits of Ceramic Brake Pads

Reduced Noise-Level

Lousy brake pads usually make a squeaking or squealing sound when worn down. This means that you don't have ceramic brake pads on your vehicle. Ceramic brake pads don’t make extra noise while pressing on the vehicle’s brake.

Alleviating The Wear Residue

When your vehicle comes to a stop, ceramic brake pads throw up fewer particles and generate reduced dust than traditional brake pads. This alone distinguishes ceramic brake pads from organic brake pads.

Reliable Driving Under Any Condition

They are far more dependable in any situation or temperature, whether chilly or hot. As long as your vehicle is equipped with ceramic brake pads, you can safely travel further without panicking about the condition of your disc brake pads.

Downsides of Ceramic Brake Pads

High Cost

For costly manufacturing and high-grade compounds, ceramic disc brake pads are relatively higher in price than semi-metal or organic.

Not So Suitable for Extreme Conditions

As copper and ceramic do not accumulate as much temperature as other substances, more heat generated during braking is transferred throughout the brake pads and the braking system.

This can even cause more wear and tear on the rest of the brake system. Finally, ceramic brake pads are not recommended for use in high-performance vehicles.

7 Best Ceramic Brake Pads in 2021

Making the best deal from several models is undoubtedly overwhelming. However, after a long and careful analysis, we have our top choices that will surely stand out on your demands.

Let’s delve into the product section for an appropriate selection!

1. Bosch BC1001 Front & Rear Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set 

Best For Quiet Operation

Cars that lack brakes must rely on timing and friction to decelerate. So, a brake is a must, and only a reckless driver would employ a shoddy brake system on the road. If you are a responsible driver and looking to make a decent deal on brake pads, the Bosch BC1001 ceramic disc brake pad set is the perfect addition.

The Bosch front and rear pads are engineered with premium components, giving you an extraordinary stoppage speed, quiet performance, and low dust. Increased tensile strength and superior noise reduction are two advantages of the rubber core multilayered thin strip.

This composition is copper-free, aluminum-based alloy. The chemical formulation coats the rotor and pad surface with a layer of protection to help the pads last longer. However, the superior quietness of the Bosch BC1001 sets it apart from its rivals.

The five-layer construction of their entire frame ensures maximum support during the most strenuous braking. As a bonus, the OE-standard quality of these ceramic brake pads ensures that they will not rust.

Bosch relies on its world-class technology and engineering capabilities. As a result, they are of the highest quality and will serve their owners for many years to come. The BC1001 disc brake pad provides all of the necessary characteristics to suit the expectations of a professional driver.

Overall, Bosch BC1001 ceramic brake pad is an absolute steal for individuals who use their automobiles for severe to moderate-level applications.

2. ACDelco Silver 14D785CH Front Ceramic Disc Brake Pad

Best For Quality Braking Speed

One of the critical components of your automobile on which you cannot skimp is the brake pads. As long as your brake pads stay in good condition, they will give you exceptional braking force. However, the ACDelco 14D785CH disc pad is a good value if you're looking for professional-level braking performance.

Their organic, ceramic, and semi-metallic formulations cover a wide variety of applications while also ensuring their safety and reliability. Its basic chamfers, slots, and shims reduce noise, braking harshness, and vibration. You don't require additional tools for installation because they are prepared to go outside the box.

Its manufacturing process is so remarkable that you won't even consider using any other item in the future. A more stable brake system is made possible by the ceramic formula. This high-value product is available for all general motor vehicles on the street today.

ACDelco Silver brakes provide consistent stopping force in a low-metal, low-noise package. These front brake disc pads also come in a low-dusting package. However, if you’re looking for a rear brake pad replacement, you can check out their ACDelco Gold 17D1367CH rear brake pads.

Their Gold rear brake pads have zinc-coated plates to prevent them from corrosion. Brake pads can withstand harsh conditions while performing demanding tasks like drawing a car to a complete halt after traveling hundreds of kilometers. Thanks to their gray backing plate, ACDelco Silver brake pads are impervious to corrosion.

If you're looking for a pair of braking pads that will work on various GM vehicles, go no further than ACDelco's Gold or Silver ceramic brake pads.

3. Power Stop Z26-1718 Z26 Rear Carbon-Ceramic Brake Pad Set

Best For Demanding Conditions

Muscle cars are well-served with the Power Stop Z26 Rear Carbon Brake Pads. High-performance vehicles that frequently make shortstops in extreme conditions will benefit from this product. These are essential qualities.

A noise-free brake system is always made possible using steel shims and slotted and chamfered styles. Because of its whisper-quiet functioning, the Power Stop Z26 is an excellent investment. Now it is time to say goodbye to sticky dust. These brake disc pads will ensure a dirt-free formulation.

Power Stop's patented Carbon-Fiber Ceramic formulations improve braking force without affecting everyday driving. Brake pads Z26, which stand for extreme street performance, are designed for drivers that require shorter stopping distances even in extreme situations.

Z26 brake pads frequently outperform OE brake pads due to their superior thermal stability when it comes to stoppage force. Its thermal scorched surfaces permit you to brake quickly, while slots and chamfers offer sound-free braking. For drivers who need a set of front brake pads that will work in any situation,Power Stop Z26 now offers a ceramic brake pad.

Competition and extensive wheel upgrades with high horsepower cars are ideal applications for this equipment. It is tranquil when it's running, too. Instead of collecting black brake dust, the brake pad produces a tiny white dust cloud. In other words, it maintains your wheel spotless and quiet.

This is an excellent choice for those who are not strapped for cash but still want something that will perform well in the most extreme situations.

4. Bendix CFC1327 Premium Ceramic Brake Pad

Best Copper Free Braking Pads

Aren't you sick of replacing brake pads over and over again in the hopes that the new one would be better? As a result of the engineers' tireless efforts, Bendix CFC1327 Premium Ceramic Brake Pad is now faster and better than before.

It includes the four-layered shim, inspired by the original manufacturer's design. Thanks to Bendix's multi-layer shim, people can always have a noise-free journey. The final product is entirely copper-free, resulting in a smooth ride. This produces less-to-no dirt.

Braking is more pleasurable with high-quality components, elevating the whole driving experience. The exquisite joy of halting with Bendix Superior 100% Copper-Free formulation will change the way you drive forever.

In addition to providing excellent strength and reliability, Bendix's Premium range offers installers with efficient solutions and users with outstanding performance. One of the top features of Bendix CFC1327 is that they will give you a wide range of coverage. Users can have this braking pad on different vehicles, from late models to modern vehicles.

These copper-free brake pads have been put through rigorous testing and found standard in performance. Smooth braking power, increased wear resistance, and less dusting and vibration benefit copper-free frictional compounds.

When you purchase Bendix copper-free ceramic brake pads, ensure you know the exact specification of your car. In one bundle, you get both front and rear brake pads.

5. Wagner QC1324 ThermoQuiet Front Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set

Best Long-Lasting Brake Pads

Wanger's Molded Sound Insulator combines friction components, insulators, and braking plates into a single high-strength composite. This front disc brake pad helps spread vibration, sound, and heat to eliminate brake fade.

A novel laser-shaped frictional material optimized for the application enhances the pad-to-rotor connection for improved braking performance. You will get stainless steel tools for most applications in a package.

These pads feature Wagner's OE21 minimal copper technology, which combines a complex mixture of compounds to mimic the properties of copper while improving NVH control, braking power, endurance, and cleaning.

Thanks to its superior formulation, these dissipate heat evenly for prolonged friction performance and less brake fade. These pads are an excellent choice if you value silence. While they are slightly more expensive than ordinary ceramic pads, they last significantly longer, compensating for themselves over time.

TheWagner QC1304 ThermoQuiet Rear Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Setis available for those looking to upgrade their factory rear brake pads. According to the manufacturer, these pads operate 35% quieter than Wagner's prior ceramic pads while giving 15% greater stopping force. They will also last far longer due to a 40% reduction in a fade.

The premium design ensures low-dust performance by allowing gas and dust to exit. This attribute contributes to the product's effectiveness and longevity. Plus, its unique coating prevents rust formation, ensuring its durability.

6. KFE KFE537-104 Ultra Quiet REAR Advanced Ceramic Brake Pad

Best Versatile Brake Pads

This KFE ceramic brake pad is another economical option across the front of your automobile. This type has been constructed to simply be used in place of the vessel's factory brake pad. Indeed, it is well fitted, making it exceedingly simple for beginners to set up.

They are designed with double rubber shims, reducing vibration and noise. By using the Thermo Scorched manufacturing method, break-in time can be reduced. Thanks to its OEM fitment, there is no hassle in the installation.

The pattern of slots and chamfers used in the design increases brake bite, extends pad life, and reduces noise. KFE Brake Systems ceramic brake pad formula's more remarkable and more constant coefficient of friction allows drivers to brake more forcefully, faster, and longer.

In addition, the brake's performance won't degrade even at increasing temperatures. Even when "cold," the brake system will function consistently. KFE comes with aKFE914-104 Ultra Quiet FRONT Advanced Ceramic Disc Brake Pad for your front aftermarket solution.

Grooved features can improve pad life and minimize noise, but not all vehicles have them. Inspect to see if yours has them. Brake pad compatibility is essential to ensure proper fitting. A slot allows dust to evacuate from the area between the rotors and the tools. This is a good thing. With the chamfer, vibrating zones are eliminated by sharpening the pad's edges.

If you intend to change the brake pads on your Honda CRV, 16-19 Civic, or any other car, you are welcome to assemble those on your vehicles.

7. Akebono - ACT1089A Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads

Best Value Brake Pads

Akebono is a famous brake pad manufacturer with a long history in the automotive industry. When it comes to selecting a high-grade brake pad, this is what impresses car owners. It is ideal for OEM ceramic or semi-metallic brake pads due to its enhanced design, making it more efficient and valuable than thought.

Engineered to original equipment specifications and test approved, the Akebono brake discs are incredibly safe, dependable, and lasting. These brakes are intended to sustain a long time due to their particular ceramic compositions while providing exceptional performance.

The Akebono brake pad stands out from the rest for its capacity to function without the requirement for an interval in time. Once it's put in a vehicle, it promises to help drivers focus and think clearly. Aside from that, its universal design provides a perfect fit for the mass of automobiles.

TheAkebono ACT1089 Proact Rear Ceramic Disc Brake Pad kit is out on the market for those who need an aftermarket rear brake pad. These front and rear disc pads have an excellent capacity to withstand rough or aggressive usage.

Additionally, this pad will last longer than many OEM models, whether used for conventional or off-road driving. It should come as no surprise to you that this pad is hard-wearing, which means that it will also generate less dust. Aluminum open-wheel layouts work nicely with this pad. The least amount of dust is generated when rolling on these wheels.

Factors You Should Consider While Choosing The Best Ceramic Brake Pads

Explicitly, not all ceramic brake pads will function well. Among various alternatives, you will find a few that provide both long-lasting wear and smooth stoppage power.

It is advisable to figure out some crucial aspects before going to your ultimate choice to experience the most comfortable driveability. We've listed some of the must-have features of a ceramic disc brake pad below.

Vehicle Type

The first consideration on brake pads is to anticipate the vehicle type. You need to choose a particular one that is compatible with your cars. However, one of the best features of ceramic pads is their flexibility.

What if you're not sure whether it will function in your vehicle? You can either do some research or consult with the manufacturer.

Brake Pad Types

It is necessary to have the type of brake pad to buying perfect brake pads for your car. Getting the incorrect type of pad will be a waste of your money and time. When it comes to brakes, you will get two different options. They are -

• Drums Brake pads
• Discs Brake pads

Drums: We picture an uneven, rounded surface when we think of drum brakes. They utilize a round drum with brake shoes to generate friction. As far as we can tell, they are the earliest known brake pads perfect for those who relish handbrake turns.

Discs: Disc brakes generally work with a disc-style rotor and two brake pads. They perform a better task of maintaining heat properly than drum brakes. As a result, you will get consistent performance and less braking fade. They are more prone to deliver better functionality in wet situations.

Front Or Rear

Front and rear brake pads are available for purchase. Make sure you are getting the right thing before you buy it.

Materials & Formations

Ceramic brake pad manufacturing processes and materials must be factored in. The likelihood of brake pads malfunctioning is pretty high if they are constructed of subpar materials. When looking for a set of brake pads, be sure to inspect all of the parts and friction materials.

Thickness

The longevity of a brake pad is correlated explicitly to its thickness. The thickness of your car’s braking pad will gradually decrease over time as it wears down. It is time to get a new unit because it can’t push the caliper further. The wider brake pad is a good choice if you have the opportunity.

When you invest a fair amount of bucks on a thick ceramic pad, you could be tougher on your brake pedals without any concern for damage. Vibrations are reduced in a thicker piece, making them more convenient.

Noise Level

No drivers want to hear irritating sounds while squeezing on the brakes. Compared to organic and semi-metallic brake pads, ceramic pads are way quieter and safer.

Sometimes it makes little-to-zero noise, which is inaudible to us. Choose the quietest option available.

Long-Lasting

Over time, all brake pads emit dust due to the deterioration they undergo. Ceramic brake pads produce fewer and finer particles. It is less evident because the light-colored dirt does not adhere to the vessel's wheels.

Ceramic rotors are intended to last for the lifespan of a vehicle, but their longevity is contingent on how hard the driver hits the discs.

Strength & Stopping Power

Having a decent set of brake pads is essential if you are willing to stop quickly and smoothly. If your car's braking system takes more time to come to a halt after hitting the brakes, these brake pads are not suitable for your vehicle. Settle on a model that will provide you with the best responsive power and strength combination.

Low Dust

Generally, ceramic brake pads are more likely to generate low filth. Even if dust is formed, their light-colored texture makes them easily cleanable. Your ceramic disc brake pads must have sufficient capacity to meet this need.

Installation

Well, you can’t forget about the fact of installation. Luckily, it is easy-peasy to install ceramic brake pads when you have essential tools with you. However, if you're not familiar with the process of installing brake pads, we highly urge that you get professional assistance.

You will always get installing equipment and a user manual with top-listed brands. However, if you are still eager to tackle the project by yourself, one of those packages would be an excellent place to start.

Other Considerations

Finally, here are a few additional, equally important considerations. If you want your brake system to endure a long time, you should choose rotor-friendly ones. When you hit the brakes, the pads keep squeezing the rotors, causing the vehicle to lead to a final stop. When you press the pedal, the vibrations you experience are caused by friction.

You should check if your brake pads are available in weather-resistant forms. They should be well-executed in both cold and hot temperatures. It is always ideal to choose disc pads that distribute heat efficiently throughout the brake system and decrease wear.

Tips To Make Your Brake Pads Last Longer

Who doesn’t want to get the optimal performance from the brake pads? Indeed, the simplest thing you can ever do is alter your driving style to minimize pad damage. A few minor adjustments to your driving pattern will not only give you safe driving but will also extend the life of your brake pads.

Drive cautiously and comply with traffic laws to avoid any unwanted heavy-duty braking.

Have one foot on your brake pedals. Hitting both pedals at a time can mess up your brake pads.

Better to remove useless load from vehicles.

Allow more than enough following room between you and the vehicle in front of you so that you can glide to a smooth, effortless stop.

Maintain a constant speed rather than speeding ahead to come to a quick stop. This will significantly prolong the service life of your brake disc pads.

It is better to maintain a low speed in heavy-traffic areas to minimize sudden braking.

When should I replace brake pads?

Brake pads are one of the crucial components in your machine’s braking mechanism. If you don’t pay enough attention to your braking system or lack proper maintenance, this can even lead to fatal accidents.

A good set of brake pads can let you avoid an accident, and they should be updated regularly. As a thumb rule, you should change your car's brake pads between every 20k to 60k miles to get a smooth stopping power. However, replacing your brake rotors for a peak performance after 50k to 70k miles is more prudent.

Specific indicators might help determine when to replace your worn-out brake pads. We've included a few minor symptoms of a cracked brake pad below.

• The first and most obvious sign is a squeaking or grounding noise emanating from the brake system.
• There is also a possibility of hearing vibration when hitting the brakes.
• If your brakes need more time to slow down than an ideal stopping time, which means your brake pads are broken or the brake fluid level is low.
• If the brake pads would seem to be wrinkled or thin, you probably need a new set of brake pads.

When any of these flaws are detected, it is preferable to get a brake replacement immediately to avoid catastrophic accidents.

FAQs

What is brake dust?

The gray-black, sticky dust that you may find on your vehicle’s wheel is called brake dust. These are primarily carbon fibers that erode your brake pad, and small metal particles from your brake rotors, causing damage to the wheel's surface.

While brake dust is not a significant indicator of a failing braking system, it can be hazardous to wheels if left unwashed. This dust tends to erode the covering surface of wheels and enter the metal surface. It is preferable to wipe the surface of your vehicle's wheels to avoid such circumstances.

Final Words

Now that you have a minimum idea of the best ceramic brake pads, you know how vital it is to have a reliable pair of brake pads. You cannot deny that brake pads contribute to responsive stopping power and safe driving.

We've included a list of the seven best ceramic disc brake pads in our guide to assist you in making judgments. However, if you're looking for the best bang for your bucks, we would like to recommend theBosch BC1001 Front & Rear Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set. The rest of the products on our list are also well worth your investment, though. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Verdict

We hope the 12 ceramic brake pads that we have picked for you here will suffice for your next purchase! Even if you are looking forward to exploring more, you can still get the idea of what to look for from the reviews of these pads.

Make sure you go through all the details we have gathered!