• Does your vehicle squeak or grind whenever you hit the brakes pedal?
• Do you encounter challenges whenever you try to stop your vehicle at high speeds?

If yes, there are high chances that your best brakes are worn out, or they are of poor quality. Brake failure remains one of the biggest causes of automotive accidents. Therefore, you cannot afford to take this part of your vehicle slightly. If your vehicle has poor brakes, you are endangering your life as well as the lives of other road users. It doesn’t matter whether you are driving a normal car or a racing car, your vehicle should always have high-quality brake pads at all times. So, which are the best brake pads of 2020? If you are planning to replace your brake pads, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.

Best Brake Pads 2020 Buying Guide

Apart from affecting your vehicle’s braking system, worn out brake pads also pose a safety risk. In addition, your car will fail inspection, if its brake pads are not functioning as they should. However, purchasing brake pads can sometimes prove to be overwhelming, especially when you consider the hundreds of brands available on the market. Before buying your set of brake pads, you need to consider the following factors.

Types of Brake Pads

• Ceramic: These brake pads are usually made of non-ferrous filler materials, ceramic fibers, bonding agents and small amounts of metal. They tend to be lighter in color as well as more expensive as compared to other types. Ceramic best brake pads are also more durable and cleaner. They deliver excellent braking capabilities without damaging the rotors.
• Semi-metallic: These contain 30% to 65% metal. They are highly durable while offering exceptional heat transfer. However, they also have certain drawbacks. For instance, they can cause rotor damage. Also, they are noisy and lose effectiveness in cold weather.
• NAO, non-asbestos organic and organic: Featuring fibrous materials such as glass, carbon or rubber, these brake pads deliver a quieter performance as compared to the semi-metallic varieties. They also wear out quickly and produce more dust as compared to others, since they are softer.
• Low metallic NAO: These pads feature organic formula, mixed with small amounts of steel or copper. These metals are normally included to boost heat transfer.

If you are looking to replace your car’s brake pads, then you are in the right place. Now that you already know the different types of brake pads, we have created a list of some of the best you can find on the market. We understand that choosing the perfect brake pads for your vehicle can be challenging, and that’s why we have listed different models and brands, to give you more options. Having said that, here are some of the best brake pads of 2020.

1.Akebono ACT787 ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set

Key Features

• Enhanced durability
• Ultra Quiet
• Smooth braking
• Low dusting

The Akebono ACT787 is one of the best ceramic brake pads you can find on the market today. They are designed to enhance or restore your vehicle’s braking performance. These brake pads are renowned for delivering ultimate solutions when it comes to vibration, noise, dust, pedal pulsation as well as harshness. With these brake pads, you can rest assured that your vehicle is safe, whenever you hit the road. Whether you are rushing home from work, cruising on the interstate as you head for a weekend vacation or just driving around town to buy groceries, you can count on these brakes all the time for a quiet and smooth assurance.
As one of the best aftermarket brake pads, the Akebono ACT787 deliver guaranteed performance on all models of vehicles in North America. They deliver world-class braking performance, which includes high resistance to fade, enhanced initial effectiveness, ultra-low dusting as well as consistent pedal brake feel. When you combine these factors, you can rest assured that the Akebono ACT787 will deliver the ultimate braking performance while keeping you safe on the roads.

2.Wagner ThermoQuiet QC465A Ceramic Disc Pad Set

Key Features

• Superior stopping power
• Quieter performance
• Longer pad life and less dust

Wagner is an industry leader when it comes to braking technologies. These brake parts are renowned for engineering expertise as well as a commitment to ensuring that the parts they deliver superior braking performance. The ThermoQuiet QC465A is no exception. These brake pads are highly recommended by vehicle technicians around the globe, thanks to their low copper technology. They deliver superior stopping performance as well as quieter braking, regardless of the driving conditions. Featuring Integrally Molded Sound Insulator, the IMI technology dissipates vibration and heat to ensure quieter braking. On the other hand, their proprietary friction formulations deliver superior stopping while minimizing dust.
Renowned as some of the best Wagner best brake pads, the ThermoQuiet QC465A are specifically engineered to deliver precise braking experience for all vehicles. Whether you are driving on muddy roads, wet conditions, loose gravel or on other surfaces, you can rest assured that these brakes will stop your vehicle whenever you step on the brake pedal. Unlike other brake pads, these are easy to install. You don’t even require specialized skills since they come with installation hardware. Also, you will not encounter any squealing when you hit the brakes, which has always been the case when you purchase other brake pads.

3.Akebono ACT914 ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set

Key Features

• Quiet performance
• Precision braking power
• Long-lasting durability
• Minimal dust emission
• No vibration, squealing or groaning

If you are looking for best brake pads that will not damage your rotors, then you should consider installing the Akebono ACT914. Akebono is known throughout the motor vehicle industry for making high-quality brake pads, and these will not disappoint. They work as advertised. Listed as among the best brake pads for cars, the Akebono ACT914 delivers long-lasting durability, solid braking, quiet performance, as well as minimal dust.
Featuring innovative ceramic formulations, these best brake pads virtually eliminate vibration, groaning as well as brake squealing. If you drive your vehicle interchangeably in the city and on the highway, using these brake pads will give you a sense of safety and security. Given their amazing features, you will realize that their cost is reasonable. You can find cheaper brake pads on the market. However, if you are looking for a quieter braking experience, ample braking power, minimal friction on your rotors as well as guaranteed durability, you can never go wrong with these brake pads. Buy these brake pads today and enjoy the superior braking performance.

4.Akebono ACT905 ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set

Key Features

• Smooth and quiet operation
• Durable
• Versatile

If you are looking for the brake pads for front and rear, then you should consider buying the Akebono ACT905 ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set. These ceramic brake pads are lightweight but durable. Whether you are cruising on the highway or driving through traffic, these brake pads will provide the braking power you need, regardless of the road conditions. From snowy roads to muddy trails, you can rest assured that you have ample braking to drive through these conditions. Despite being aftermarket parts, these brake pads will deliver a performance, which is the same or even better as compared to the pads that you bought your vehicle with.
You might be asking yourself why you should opt for these brake pads instead of the others on the market. First of all, the Akebono ACT905 ProACT brake pads are renowned for their ultra-quiet performance. When you brake, your car will not make noise as if it’s hauling the entire city. Secondly, you are assured of superior initial effectiveness. These brake pads don’t require a break-in period. They are ready to use immediately you install them. Also, these brake pads are highly rotor friendly. Buying these durable, high-quality, reliable and excellent brake pads is highly recommended.

5.ACDelco 17D785CH Professional Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pad Set

Key Features

• Quiet and smooth stops
• High-quality pads at a reasonable price
• Expertly engineered and manufactured for excellent braking performance

ACDelco is a worldwide automotive manufacturer when it comes to premium replacement parts. Whether you are looking for brake pads for your industrial, off-road or marine equipment, you can rest assured that the ACDelco 17D785CH brake pad set will meet and exceed your expectations. With over 100 years of manufacturing experience, ACDelco guarantees brake pads that will never compromise on quality. These pads have been thoroughly tested for braking effectiveness. Therefore, once you install them in your sedan, van, SUV or truck, you can rest easy knowing that your vehicle has a safe and secure braking system.
If you are looking for the best performance brake pads, then you will never go wrong with these. Featuring semi-metallic, organic and ceramic formulas, these brake pads will deliver reliability and safety for a wide range of vehicles. On the other hand, their premium slots, chamfers as well as shims are designed to minimize noise vibration, braking harshness and noise. Also, their stamped backing plate ensures proper pad movement while minimizing noise, and brake pulsation. It also protects the pads against premature wearing.

6.Akebono ACT537 ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pad Set

Key Features

• Vehicle-optimized formulations
• Minimal dust emission
• Great durability
• Smooth braking
• Ultra-quiet operation

These brake pads are perfect for daily driving. Apart from being quiet, they don’t generate dust. Featuring ultra-premium ceramic, these brake pads will not damage or wear out your rotors. You should also note that they are long-lasting. As much as these brake pads may be more expensive than others on the market, they always offer value for money. You may opt for cheaper products, but they don’t have the durability, effectiveness and performance offered by the Akebono ACT537. Listed among the best rear brakes, the Akebono ACT537 will not let you down, regardless of the road conditions.
Whether you are driving in rainy or snowy conditions, you can rely on these brakes to deliver precise braking power. They come with a wide variety of ceramic formulations, which help to reduce or even eliminate brake groaning, squealing as well as vibration. In addition, they have been manufactured using a careful selection of materials, thus helping to minimize or eliminate dust. When you consider all these factors, you can now understand why most motorists prefer these top rated brake pads.

7.Bosch BC905 QuietCast Premium Disc Brake Pad Set

Key Features

• Noise-free design
• Instant braking regardless of the weather
• Enhanced durability
• Great performance

Bosch is a reputable brand when it comes to automotive parts. The Bosch BC905 is a set of dependable brake pads, which deliver a flawless performance when you are driving in different conditions. Since they are highly durable, these brake pads will break apart or melt easily – which is usually the case with poor-quality parts. You will also enjoy a smooth and quiet braking performance in all driving conditions. These pads feature advanced molded shim technology for added stability.
Regardless of your driving style or conditions, these affordable brake pads will serve you diligently. The Bosch BC905 brake pads come with a laminated rubber core, which minimizes vehicle groaning or squealing when you step on the brake pedal. Also, they come with a corrosion resistant design, which reduces or eliminates rusting while enhancing their durability. These pads are ready to use. You can easily install them using the provided manual. They also come with a free synthetic lubricant, which helps to maximize their efficiency. When it comes to durability, efficient performance and quiet operation, you can trust the Bosch BC905 to meet your expectations. Buy these brake pads today and say goodbye to poor quality products.

8.ACDelco 14D1159CH Advantage Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pad Set with Hardware

Key Features

• Universal quick fit design for easy installation
• Prompt and smooth stopping
• Capable performance
• Quiet operation
• Instant braking power

If your car squeaks or grinds when you hit the brakes, or it encounters issues when you are stopping it high speeds, then it’s time to consider replacing the brake pads. You need to install the ACDelco 14D1159CH, which are arguably one of the best cheap brake pads you can find on the market today. However, as much as they are cheap and affordable, they deliver performance equal to their expensive counterparts. Thanks to their universal quick fit design, you will not require the help of a mechanic or any skills to install them.
These brake pads are among the best for numerous reasons. First, they are made of ceramic, which helps to preserve the rotors while delivering a capable performance. Secondly, they are designed with advanced formula, which ensures prompt and smooth stopping whenever you apply the brakes. With these original brake pads, you can drive safely to work, school, or to run errands. Some people have reported missing parts whenever they buy brake pads online. However, you will not encounter such a situation when you purchase the ACDelco 14D1159CH. The package comes with all the parts as well as an instructional manual to make the installation process easy and fast. Most importantly, you don’t have to break the bank to purchase these brake pads, since they are affordable.

9.Toyota Genuine Parts 446606090 Rear Brake Pad Set

Key Features

• Guaranteed reliability
• Precision-engineered plates
• Meet specifications and tolerances of most vehicles
• Noise and vibration free

Toyota is a renowned global brand when it comes to affordable and high-quality vehicles. Well, its spare parts are equally in great demand, due to their high quality. The Toyota Genuine Parts 446606090 remains one of the best rear brake pads in 2020. You can install them on commercial and personal cars, and they will retain the same level of high performance. Thanks to its durable, quick fit design, you can install this pad set easy and fast. These brake pads are well-engineered to ensure smooth and quiet stops. Also, their precision-machined plates are highly accurate.
As you probably know, poor quality brake pads damage a vehicle’s components like rotors. Also, they lower a vehicle’s safety, whether you are driving at low or high speeds. However, with Toyota Genuine Parts 446606090, you are assured of different results and performances. They are designed to meet tolerances and specifications of most Toyota vehicles. Therefore, when you buy these brake pads, you will be getting value for your money. If you have a tight budget and you are looking for an affordable set of brake pads, then you should consider purchasing the Toyota Genuine Parts 446606090.

10.Wagner ThermoQuiet QC787 Ceramic Disc Pad Set With Installation Hardware, Front

Key Features

• Quiet operation
• More stopping power
• Cleaner wheels
• Optimal performance

As much as brake parts are simple, they play an important role in your vehicle. They improve braking while making your vehicle safer. Therefore, you need to purchase quality brake pad set, which will not damage your rotors while serving their intended role. If you are looking for such brake pads, then the Wagner ThermoQuiet QC787 is an amazing option. Unlike other brake pads in this category, these deliver a quiet performance.
In addition, they have a longer life. Therefore, once you install them, you will enjoy a durable performance as well as outstanding braking power. Whether you are a city or a long-distance driver, you will appreciate the value of these brake pads. They are super-quiet and smooth. Also, they dissipate heat perfectly when braking. Ranked among the brake pads in 2020, this product works well for most vehicles, whether they are light trucks or passenger cars. Ideal for daily use, the Wagner ThermoQuiet QC787 is just what you need for regardless of your vehicle model.

FAQ

Verdict
As much as brake pads serve the same purpose in a vehicle, some are definitely better than others. For normal driving conditions, it’s advisable to choose ACDelco models. These brake pads deliver decent performance even when you push them hard. If you engage in sporty driving, then you should opt for ceramic brake pads such as Akebono. Wagner is also great ceramic brake pads, although their installation process can sometimes be challenging.