Complete Guide to Buying Brake Pads Online

Brake pads are one of the most frequently replaced parts on any vehicle, and choosing the right ones online can save you significant money without sacrificing safety or performance. However, with dozens of brands, materials, and price points available, buying brake pads online can be confusing.

This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about brake pads: types, materials, pricing, compatibility, and where to find the best deals. Whether you're a DIY mechanic or just looking to save money on your next brake job, this guide has you covered.

Understanding Brake Pad Types

There are four main types of brake pads, each with distinct characteristics:

1. Organic (Non-Metallic) Brake Pads

Materials: Made from organic materials like fiber, glass, rubber, and resins bonded together.

Pros:

• Quietest operation
• Softest on rotors (less rotor wear)
• Cheapest option ($20-$40)
• Good for daily driving

Cons:

• Wear out fastest (20,000-40,000 miles)
• Produce more brake dust
• Not ideal for high-performance driving
• Performance degrades at high temperatures

Best for: Budget-conscious drivers, city driving, older vehicles

2. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

Materials: 30-65% metal (steel, copper, iron) mixed with organic materials and friction modifiers.

Pros:

• Excellent heat dissipation
• Very durable (50,000-70,000 miles)
• Good braking performance
• Work well in various temperatures
• Affordable ($30-$60)

Cons:

• Can be noisy (squeaking/squealing)
• More rotor wear than organic
• Produce more brake dust
• Can feel harsh in cold weather

Best for: Trucks, SUVs, performance vehicles, heavy towing

3. Ceramic Brake Pads

Materials: Ceramic fibers, bonding agents, and small amounts of copper or steel.

Pros:

• Quietest operation
• Minimal brake dust (and lighter colored)
• Long lifespan (70,000+ miles)
• Consistent performance across temperatures
• Gentle on rotors

Cons:

• Most expensive ($50-$100+)
• Not ideal for extreme cold climates
• May not provide maximum stopping power for very heavy vehicles

Best for: Daily drivers, luxury vehicles, anyone wanting clean wheels and quiet operation

4. Low-Metallic NAO (Non-Asbestos Organic)

Materials: Organic materials with 10-30% metal content for better heat transfer.

Pros:

• Better heat dissipation than pure organic
• Good braking performance
• Moderate price ($25-$50)

Cons:

• Can be noisier than ceramic
• Produce more brake dust than ceramic
• Shorter life than semi-metallic or ceramic

Best for: General use, moderate performance needs

Brake Pad Material Comparison

Feature	Organic	Semi-Metallic	Ceramic
Price Range	$20-$40	$30-$60	$50-$100+
Lifespan	20-40K miles	50-70K miles	70K+ miles
Noise Level	Very Quiet	Can Be Noisy	Very Quiet
Brake Dust	High	High	Low
Rotor Wear	Low	Moderate	Low
Performance	Good	Excellent	Very Good

Top Brake Pad Brands

Not all brake pads are created equal. Here are the most trusted brands:

Premium Brands ($60-$100+)

• Brembo: Industry leader, excellent for performance vehicles
• Akebono: OEM supplier for many Japanese cars, ceramic specialists
• EBC Brakes: Performance-oriented, great for sports cars
• StopTech: High-performance racing applications

Mid-Range Brands ($30-$60)

• Wagner: Reliable, OE-quality replacement
• Bosch: Well-known, consistent quality
• ACDelco: GM's parts division, excellent quality
• Centric: Good value, reliable performance
• Power Stop: Popular for trucks and SUVs

Budget Brands ($20-$40)

• Raybestos: Budget-friendly, decent quality
• Dynamic Friction: Basic replacement pads
• R1 Concepts: Affordable option for daily drivers

How to Choose the Right Brake Pads

Follow these steps to select the perfect brake pads for your needs:

1. Consider Your Driving Style

• City/Highway Commuter: Ceramic pads for quiet, clean operation
• Performance/Spirited Driving: Semi-metallic or high-performance ceramic
• Towing/Hauling: Semi-metallic for better heat dissipation
• Budget-Conscious: Organic pads for basic needs

2. Check Your Vehicle's Requirements

• Look up your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine
• Some vehicles have specific pad requirements
• Check if you need front, rear, or both
• Verify rotor diameter and caliper type

3. Read Reviews

• Look for reviews specific to your vehicle
• Pay attention to noise complaints
• Check for fitment issues
• Look at longevity reports

4. Compare Prices

• Check multiple retailers (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Amazon, eBay)
• Look for sets vs. single axle pricing
• Factor in shipping costs
• Check for promotions or coupons

Where to Buy Brake Pads Online

Best Retailers for Brake Pads:

1. Amazon

• Pros: Huge selection, fast Prime shipping, easy returns, good reviews
• Cons: Quality varies, need to verify fitment carefully
• Best for: Researching options and comparing brands

2. RockAuto

• Pros: Lowest prices, excellent vehicle-specific search
• Cons: Shipping costs can add up, slower delivery
• Best for: Budget-conscious buyers willing to wait

3. AutoZone/O'Reilly/Advance Auto

• Pros: Same-day local pickup, easy returns, lifetime warranties often available
• Cons: Usually more expensive than online-only retailers
• Best for: Urgent repairs, want to see parts in person

4. eBay Motors

• Pros: Competitive pricing, buyer protection
• Cons: Need to verify seller reputation
• Best for: Finding deals on name-brand pads

5. CarParts.com

• Pros: Lifetime warranties on many products, good selection
• Cons: Prices can be higher than competitors
• Best for: Want long-term warranty protection

Typical Brake Pad Pricing

Here's what you can expect to pay (prices per axle set):

Compact Cars (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla):

• Budget: $25-$40
• Mid-Range: $40-$65
• Premium: $65-$100

Mid-Size Sedans/SUVs (Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, CR-V):

• Budget: $30-$50
• Mid-Range: $50-$80
• Premium: $80-$120

Trucks/Large SUVs (F-150, Silverado, Tahoe):

• Budget: $40-$60
• Mid-Range: $60-$90
• Premium: $90-$150

Performance/Luxury (BMW, Mercedes, Porsche):

• Aftermarket: $80-$150
• OEM: $150-$300+

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Buying cheapest option without research: Ultra-cheap pads can be noisy and wear quickly
2. Not checking compatibility: Always verify part numbers match your vehicle
3. Ignoring reviews: Real user experiences reveal quality issues
4. Replacing only one side: Always replace both sides of an axle
5. Not replacing hardware: Old clips and shims can cause noise
6. Skipping rotor inspection: Worn rotors will ruin new pads quickly
7. Forgetting break-in period: New pads need 200-300 miles to properly seat

When to Replace Brake Pads

DIY vs. Professional Installation

DIY Installation:

Cost: $0 labor (just parts + tools)
Time: 1-2 hours for both axles
Difficulty: Moderate (basic mechanical skills needed)
Tools Needed: Jack, jack stands, C-clamp or brake tool, wrenches, brake cleaner

Professional Installation:

Cost: $100-$300 labor (depending on vehicle)
Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Benefit: Inspection of entire brake system included

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I replace rotors when I replace pads?

A: Not always. Have rotors measured. If they're above minimum thickness and not warped, just resurface them. If below minimum or damaged, replace them.

Q: How long do brake pads last?

A: Depends on material and driving style:

• Organic: 20,000-40,000 miles
• Semi-metallic: 50,000-70,000 miles
• Ceramic: 70,000+ miles

Q: Can I mix brake pad types?

A: Don't mix types on the same axle. It's okay to use different types front vs. rear, but both sides of each axle must match.

Q: Do I need OEM brake pads?

A: No. Quality aftermarket pads from brands like Akebono, Wagner, or Bosch perform as well as or better than OEM at lower cost.

Q: Why are my new brake pads squeaking?

A: Common causes: Need break-in period, missing or worn hardware, glazed rotors, or cheap pad material. Ceramic pads squeak less.

Final Recommendations

Conclusion

Buying brake pads online is straightforward once you understand the types, materials, and brands available. For most drivers, mid-range ceramic pads offer the best combination of performance, longevity, and quiet operation at a reasonable price.

Remember to always compare prices across multiple retailers—brake pad prices can vary by 50% or more for the same product. Use our free price comparison tool to find the best deals on brake pads for your specific vehicle.

About Big Broke: We help car owners save money by comparing auto parts prices instantly. Our tool shows you brake pad prices from all major retailers so you can find the best deal in seconds.