Ever thought to buy brake pads and rotors online? With Tire Rack you can buy brake pads and brake rotors of your choice shipped to you, or your installer. Tire Rack has brake components to fit your vehicle broken down into
four performance categories to help with the selection process.
About a year ago, I noticed my Chevy Impala's brake system was not performing like I remembered. The Impala is used to get me back and forth to work in an efficient manor. All I needed was an Original Equipment replacement level brake product. I selected the Akebono ProACT Ceramic Brake Pads from the Premium Brake Pad category. I always like to use the products Tire Rack carries to see for myself how they work in the field, so I made the purchase and got to work updating the Impala with my new
Akebono ProACT Ceramic Pads.
The Akebono ProAct Ceramic Pads have met my expectations. They work well in rain and dry conditions and do not make a lot of dust. One thing I did notice during winter driving is the
Akebono ProAct Ceramic Pads do have a little more initial bite as the front wheels have locked up a few more times than last winter with my O.E. brake pads (no ABS on the Impala). No worries; a small change to my braking style and I'm happy with the overall performance of the brake system on
my car.
Not to forget the brake rotors, as its always a great time to replace brake rotors and brake pads at the same time. The
Centric Premium Rotor is a great Original Equipment replacement rotor. One thing I really like about the Centric Premium Rotor is the Electrocoating (E-coating) black finish. The finish really makes the rotors look sharp especially if you have a wheel that shows the rotors or, have a winter wheel that shows the rotor more than the summer wheels.
Check to see which
rotors or
brake pads work best for your car at
Tire Rack. Tire Rack has many brake system options to chose from. I just wanted something like the Original Equipment brake system. You may want to step it up for some additional performance. Tire Rack can offer you the custom brake pad and rotor package to meet your needs.
Technically speaking, the answer is no. They're very different.
It's fairly obvious that an SUV is larger and therefore weighs more than a car. To reference Sir Isaac Newton, that means a greater force will be needed to stop an SUV when it is in motion. It's the law of physics, and we've made it the law of brakes, too.
SUV brakes take into account stop and go traffic in a larger, heavier vehicle. Also towing, and the fact that SUV wheels and tires are usually larger than those on passenger vehicles. It's important to note, however, that not all Original Equipment or high ceramic pads are capable of handling these factors. And that's why SUV brake pads are so important—because they were designed with all of these factors in mind.
They were designed to reduce stopping distance and pedal effort, which makes vehicle operation even safer.
Outfit your light truck or SUV with SUV-specific brake components to increase your margin of safety and to improve your vehicle's stopping performance.
Shop by vehicle, and
Tire Rack will produce a list of suitable options.
Like all of the brake components we carry,
Cryo-Stop Premium Rotors blend quality with innovation. We're particular when it comes time to replace brake rotors, and we're sure you are, too. So check out the ways Cryo-Stop's manufacturing process makes their rotors ones to consider.
Cryo-Stop rotors feature an electrostatically applied finish (an "E-coating") that covers every last bit of the rotor—which is something typical spray-on finishes can't necessarily claim.
So what's the advantage? Long lasting corrosion protection. And we do mean long lasting. The E-coating is actually formulated to withstand over 400 hours of saltwater exposure without rusting.
They are also cryogenically treated, which means they're cooled to -300 degrees F and then slowly brought back to room temperature. This process positively affects the metal to a point where it'll last up to three times as long as untreated rotors.
Learn more about
Cryogenics, then
search for brake rotors.
ATE (
"Ah-Tay") brake pads come from one of the world's leading brake system manufacturers, Continental Automotive Systems—and we've put these brake pads online just for you.
Combining innovative technology with quality materials and expert engineering, ATE brake pads meet and exceed O.E. performance and safety standards across the board. And across the pond. ATE has been a trusted brake pad brand in Europe for over 100 years, and that proven expertise is something we at
Tire Rack are very excited to share with our customers.
Our list of ATE products includes the
PremiumOne™ brake pads. Advanced friction formulations enhance pad performance, reduce wheel dusting and extend pad life while shims, chamfers and slots minimize excess noise. These are excellent O.E. replacement options for both domestic and Asian vehicles alike.
Search our entire inventory of brake system products to
find ATE brake components for your vehicle.
If you recently purchased a set of car brake pads from
Tire Rack, we'd love to hear what you think about them. Were they everything we said they would be? Are they meeting your expectations? Good or bad, we want to hear about your car brake pads.
We like to collect this information for a variety of reasons. One, it gives our customers something to reference as they come to a purchase decision. Two, it helps us keep tabs on our products—we want to make sure that they perform to the levels described to us and, in consequence, to you. In essence, it helps us maintain an inventory with such high standards.
Click here to fill out a
Brake Components Survey. We promise it won't take long.
Did we
recommend an installer to help with your brake pad replacements? Let us know
how they did.
And last, but certainly not least, we thank you again for your purchase.
Leading the industry with advanced friction technology,
Hawk brake pads have a strong following among weekend racing enthusiasts. And as they continue to develop high performance brake pads, Hawk is gaining popularity among everyday drivers, too. Hawk supplies accessory performance brake pads to Mazda, Nissa and Hyundai, and Hawk brake pads are recommended as O.E. upgrades on Corvettes.
Hawk brake pads suitable for everyday driving include:
•
HP Plus Brake Pads
•
HPS Brake Pads
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LTS Brake Pads
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Performance Ceramic Brake Pads
•
SuperDuty Brake Pads
Search all brake components.
Shopping by vehicle is the best way to determine appropriate brake component upgrades. If you drive an Acura, you'll want brake pads that correspond to your Acura's performance level. It goes without saying (but we'll say it anyway) that installing the wrong brake components can lead to a whole slew of performance and safety issues.
If you drive a 2009 TSX (shown), we'd recommend the following Acura brakes:
•
ATE PremiumOne Pads: "Very quiet and vibration-free. Stopping power is strong and consistent. On par or better than stock brakes so far." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, Saab 9-2X Aero, MI
•
Akebono ProACT Ceramic Pads: "I wanted something better than stock, with little fade, and less brake dust that would not eat up my rotors. These fit the bill. I've taken the same pads through two track days, and a mountain run and experienced little to no fade and very little dust." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, Lexus GS430, GA
•
Hawk HPS Street Brake Pads: "I couldn't believe that brakes at this price could be so good. Needless to say I will buy Hawk HPS for every car I own...getting these brakes to fade even a little takes lots of effort." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, Mazda Miata, PA
Search for Acura brake pads.
In a track setting, high speeds produce even higher temperatures that push brake components to the limit. If you have High Performance Sport Drilled or Slotted
Brembo rotors then you should probably exit to pit row. For good. Although they considerably enhance your vehicle's appearance and performance, these Brembo rotors won't withstand those higher temperatures. However, if you DO use them on the track (though we don't recommend it), it is extremely important that they are carefully inspected. Any sign of deterioration would make them unsafe to drive on. (And, unfortunately, using them on the track depletes your warranty.)
If you're in need of some track-worthy Brembo rotors, we recommend the
Brembo Grand Turismo Brake System. It's an Ultra High Performance package that offers race-inspired braking components (including rotors) that improve performance both on and off the track.
To see if this product is right for your vehicle,
search our inventory of brake components.
In 1961, Brembo took the brake market with their knack for design, development and production. To this day, they lead the industry with racing and aftermarket brake components and systems—which is why Brembo brakes appear as Original Equipment components on some of the world's finest passenger cars from the likes of BMW, Porsche, Ferrari and more.
In addition, Brembo brake pads have helped a variety of racing teams (from Formula 1 to CART, NASCAR, FIA World Rally and Superbike organizations) take home the coveted checkered flag.
This level of performance satisfaction is available to you as well. Whether you want to improve your current braking system, or possibly upgrade to an enhanced aftermarket package, Brembo can help. Just search Tire Rack's inventory of brake components by vehicle to see which Brembo products are right for you.
Many drivers choose to forgo the hubcap/steel wheel combination that is often found on vehicles. An upgrade to aftermarket wheels adds an element of style to the vehicle, but what they fail to realize—aftermarket wheels have a number of performance benefits, too. Especially if they're alloy wheels:
1. Reduced unsprung weight compared to steel wheels. Wheels are not supported by the suspension system, which makes them susceptible to road shock and cornering forces. Alloy is lighter than steel, which reduces the impact while increasing handling capabilities.
2. Improved acceleration and braking. Once again, alloy aftermarket wheels are lighter and therefore don't require as much energy to move (i.e. start or stop rotating).
3. Added rigidity. Because alloy is significantly stronger than steel, it will reduce wheel/tire deflection during cornering.
4. Increased brake cooling. Some alloy wheels are designed in a way that allows more air to flow in and around the brake components. In addition, alloy conducts heat which means that some of the heat can transfer from the brake components.
Search for aftermarket wheels.
Shopping for car parts can be tricky—how do you know if it's a perfect fit? This can be especially nerve wracking when it comes to brake components. They're pretty much the most integral part of your entire vehicle, as stopping power is crucial. So if you're shopping for Corvette brakes (or any brakes, for that matter), you can breathe a sigh of relief: Give us the specifications of your 'Vette, and we'll do the rest.
Take the Corvette above, for example. It's a 2009 Z06. With a quick search by vehicle, we were able to view an entire list of suitable brake products from reputable brands like Brembo and Hawk. And every list we generate for you includes detailed product information, even Tire Rack consumer reviews when available.
Ok, they stop your vehicle (you hope).
That's a given.
But that's not all. Brakes are a critical component of your vehicle, and as such, are comprised of various other, well...critical components. Let's start at the front: As the weight of the vehicle pushes forward during braking, front brakes step up to the plate and do most of the work to stop your vehicle. In other words, disc brakes on the front axle clamp down to create the necessary amount of friction needed to slow things down. And what creates that friction? Brake calipers against pads against rotors. Moving to the rear axle, you'll most likely find drum brakes. Advantages? Low cost and the ability to integrate the emergency parking brake. (
Read more.)
While this is the basic gist of a braking system, many drivers choose to upgrade their brake components for a sporty performance effect. Whether you choose to do this or not, it's important to remember that brakes should always be installed by a competent mechanic. Incorrectly installed breaks can lead to major problems on the road, and we're positive you know what we mean, so don't risk it. (
Find a Recommended Installer.)
Shop for brake components by vehicle.
Brake-generated noise and dust are a common annoyance. It is, however, on that's easy to combat. We have the evolution of brake pad materials to thank for that.
Historically, the brake industry went from asbestos to semi-metallic pads. And now, many vehicles are incorporating ceramic disc brake pads (like the
Hawk Performance Ceramic pads shown). They replace steel fibers for copper, which allows for high brake temperatures with less heat fade. They also generate a significantly less amount of noticeable brake dust. And, of course, they're much quieter—ceramic actually helps combat unwanted sound because it generates noise at a frequency the human ear cannot process.
And finally, according to durability tests that compared ceramic compounds to semi-metallic and other organic materials, the ceramic brake pad lasted longer than other premium pad materials by a significant margin. Long-lasting brake pads are obviously fairly desirable. (And, as a side note, nothing was sacrificed for that long life. Lack of dust and noise were still prominent.)
Read more, then search our collection of brake components according to your vehicle.
When it comes to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) rotors, you're either ready to simply replace what's currently on your vehicle or are interested in a performance upgrade.
Brake rotors momentarily absorb heat produced during rapid or repeated stops. This means, of course, that they'll eventually wear out. (
Read more.) And on the other hand, many wheels feature an open design that exposes brake components. As a contributing factor to your vehicle's overall performance and appearance, many OEM brakes just don't cut it.
And that's where we come in.
Tire Rack has a full range of
brake rotors for you to choose from. We've got OEM replacement rotors and upgrade options in slotted, dimpled and drilled designs from premium brands like
Akebono,
ATE,
Brembo,
Hawk and
more.
Shop by vehicle and we'll make a few recommendations—we'll even help you
find an installer.
At Tire Rack, all the tools you need to find brake pads online are at your fingertips.
Understand the
four performance categories that are available:
• Premium
• Performance Street
• Autocross/Track
• Truck & SUV
Each category serves a distinct purpose for a specific type of vehicle. Check to see what type of brakes you currently have, then asses what it is you'd like to improve. You may want to upgrade your rotors, too.
There is helpful information in
Brakes Tech to outline the performance aspects of braking.
But what makes it easy is that you simply
search by vehicle to see a complete list of brake pads and other brake components that will perfectly fit your vehicle. No guesswork is involved.
Performance isn't only about speed. It's about controlling speed.
At
Tire Rack, we make it really easy to replace
brake rotors. All you have to do is search for break components by
vehicle. When you do, you'll only see the brake rotors, pads or complete brake systems with that are right for your vehicle—we want you to get the right fit.
Or, you can search by
brand. Just a few of our top sellers include:
•
ATE
•
DBA •
Power Slot And once you purchase new brake rotors, we'll
recommend an installer.
Confused? We've got a library full of
brake tech articles. Start at the beginning and learn the science of breaking. We'll dissect all the basics for you, then outline some info on brake components and fit.
At
Tire Rack—we love a good review. Even if it's bad. Our consumer survey results give you great product information. From shock absorber reviews to snow tire ratings, every comment our previous customers provide helps you, in turn, make an educated purchase. And it also helps us determine which products are right for you, too.
Search by vehicle. We'll recommend a few solid shock absorbers, affordable tires, brake components, even Wheels and Tire Packages. Then you can read the reviews. Here's an example:
"I'm a pretty aggressive driver. I've gone through several suspension setups and overall I am very satisfied with the sportline springs. I paired these up with some KONI yellow sport shocks and it's amazing."Not convinced by your peers? We've done some pretty extensive
tire and
suspension testing at Tire Rack. We go the extra mile on our test track—literally—to review the products we sell.
And if you still have questions,
contact our sales specialists. They're ready and willing to help you compare performance tires or find the right shock absorbers online or over the phone.
Once you do, don't forget to write
suspension and/or
tire reviews!
Replacing the brakes on your car or truck can be a costly venture. Picking out the right brake components is a very important decision. The pads you choose can make the biggest difference in stopping power, cleanliness, noise and longevity.
Ceramic brake pads have changed the standards for brakes today. Compared to the semi-metallic pads found on most vehicles as original equipment, the ceramic pads are much quieter and produce less dust while not sacrificing any stopping power. For owners that wash their car religiously, the lower dust level alone can save you time and headaches!
In addition, the ceramic compound is actually less abrasive on the rotor. That reduces the wear on both the pads and rotors. Replacing your brakes less often is always a good thing!
Here are the best ceramic brake pads that we carry:
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