Top 9 Best Car Brake Brands: Bosch, Power Stop, Wagner or Akebono (2020 Reviews)

How many types do car brakes have? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type? What are the best car brakes? And how can you find the best car brakes? 

While every other part of the car operates for a semi-wheelchair, the brakes are responsible for limiting the speed and stopping the vehicle completely. They do the opposite of all other devices in a car. And that is why brakes are critical in many cases, especially in emergency cases. 

This article will show you the nine best car brakes in 2020 with detailed reviews and the most updated buying guides. I hope that you can find the best car brakes for your vehicle and have a safe drive. 

Top 9 Best Car Brakes 2020 Reviews

#1 Best Overall: Power Stop Z26-1405 Z26 Extreme Performance Carbon-Ceramic Brake Pad

The first item in our list of the best car brakes is the Power Stop Z26-1405. It is a carbon-ceramic brake that is more reliable and durable than most of the other materials on the market. And it comes with a very reasonable price that you will love. That is why I said this one is the best overall. 

The biggest plus of this brake is the carbon-fiber ceramic material, of course. This material is a guarantee that your brake will last longer and not deliver noise as other material. In terms of performance, this material is the best choice for drivers. Moreover, the pads have a powder-coated backing plate, which can resist rust and corrosion to last even longer. 

Apart from the material, this brake pad is suitable for many models and types of cars, including Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jeep, and more. Therefore, it is very convenient and user-friendly. 

Pros 

• Easy to install 
• Noise-free, dust-free 
• Strong stopping power 
• Worth the money 

Cons 

• High operating temperature 

Power Stop Z26-1405 is not cheap compared with other similar items. But compared to the other devices of Power Stop, it is a big deal. 

#2 Best Value: Power Stop K6268-36 Z36 Truck and Tow Front and Rear Brake Kit

If you are looking for the best car brakes without worrying about the budget, I recommend the Power stop K6268-36 Z36. This item is the most expensive brake kit on my list. But let’s take a try, and you will realize why other people pay that much for a brake kit. 

Like other products from Power Stop, this brake pad is made of proprietary carbon-fiber ceramic material. It is the strongest and the most expensive material that makes your brake pad stronger for handling heavier loads. Compared with the Z26 version, the Z36 runs quieter in lower operating temperatures thanks to the drilled and slotted performance. 

No noise, no dust, and no hot temperature- These three outstanding features make this brake kit become the favorite for many drivers. The kit contains a high-temperature ceramic brake lubricant and a stainless steel installation hardware. 

Pros 

• Full accessories for easy installation 
• Excellent precision 
• Extra-solid construction and premium material 
• Quiet and good productivity 

Cons 

• Way expensive 

Power stop K6268-36 Z36 is ideal for trucks or people who always have to face bad weather and emergencies.  

#3 Best in Budget: Wagner QuickStop ZD1275 Ceramic Disc Pad Set

And suppose money is a problem for you. You can still take a look at the Wagner Quickstop ZD1275 and own a ceramic brake at an amazingly reasonable price.

Although ZD1275 is inexpensive, it has everything you need for the best car brakes. Firstly, it comes with OE fit for even and consistent braking. Secondly, this design is also helpful in reducing noise and vibration. Although it is not as good as the Power Stop, it is acceptable for the price. 

This set consists of stainless steel hardware and OE style lubricant. Hence, it is straightforward to install and use. And last, this device is usable for all vehicle types. However, with this price, you should not expect it to last for 60,000 miles. 

Pros 

• Reasonable price 
• Excellent noise and vibration reduction 
• Full accessories for easy-installing 
• Compatible with most vehicle types 

Cons 

• Not very durable 
• Still have noise 

I think Power Stop K137 cannot handle the heavier loads; you should only use it for traveling within the city.    

#4 Best for Winter: Power Stop K137 Front Brake Kit

Driving in winter means that your car must deal with rain, snow, wet weather and the snowy, slippery roads. Professional drivers often have unique accessories for their cars in the winter, including special tires, engine protectors, and brakes. And the Power Stop K137 is one of the best car brakes for winter. 

What I like most about this item is the drilled, plated, and slotted design. It is all made to perfection for dealing with the harsh weather condition. Besides, the other features like ceramic material are similar to other Power Stop items. 

This device is durable, robust, and simple to install with the explicit instruction. Moreover, its stopping power will make you happy. You can use it for your car, truck, or SUV. 

Pros 

• Robust design for more extended durability and better performance 
• Premium material 
• No dust, no noise 
• Adaptable to car, truck, and SUV 
• Reliable stopping power and shorter stopping distance 

Cons 

• It is pricey 

Trust me, if not Power Stop K137, you can’t find the better car brakes that could keep you safe in winter. 

#5 Best for Rotor: Akebono ACT905 Disc Brake Pad Kit

And the next item in our list of the best car brakes is the Akebono ACT905 Disc Brake Pad kit. If you are looking for a rotor-friendly brake, this item is the one for you. 

The first key feature of this item is ultra-quiet operation. The Akemono uses its unique Pro-ACT ceramic formulations to make this brake and reduce noise when in use. Also, it is very durable, thanks to the improved pad wear performance. 

And last, it can generate less dust than the standard device because it is compatible with recently open-wheel designs. As a result, it could deliver smooth braking without hurting the rotors. 

Pros 

• Ultra-quiet operation 
• Durable and smooth brake 
• Low dusting and rotor-friendly design 
• Reasonable price 

Cons 

• Low stopping power 

Akebono ACT905 Disc Brake Pad kit is the best choice for daily driving, but it is not preferable for braking urgently.  

#6 Best Design: EBC Brakes FA409HH Disc Brake Pad Set

EBC Brakes FA409HH Disc Brake Pad Set is one of the oldest brands on my list. They sell their first product since 1984, and they are always famous for high-quality and good performance brakes for cars, SUVs, and trucks. 

Material and construction are the two main reasons why this one is a unique product on the market. Instead of ceramic or other accessible material, EBC Brakes used high-pressure die-cast for making their brake. And it makes them very strong and durable. 

Besides, all the shoes come with edge trimmed, radius ground, and non-asbestos linings for driver health safety. Hence, they are one of the most environmentally-friendly brands on the market. 

Pros 

• Reasonable price 
• Reputable brands 
• Unique design and construction for better performance 
• Environmental-friendly material 

Cons 

• Low stopping power 
• Difficult to install 

I think EBC Brakes FA409HH Disc Brake Pad Set is okay in terms of design and other features, but it is not the best performance.   

#7 Best for Installation: Wagner QuickStop ZD1444 Ceramic Disc Pad Set

If the easy installation is your top priority, I suggest that you should choose the Wagner QuickStop Z1444 Pad set. This set has pad installation hardware and everything you need for installing the pads. And it is more than enough! 

About the performance, this item has excellent design for even braking in all of its lifespans. Also, it comes with an application-specific design for reducing noise and vibration. 

About the application, the manufacturers said that this device could meet all the unique needs of each vehicle application. However, you still need to check carefully before buying. But this brake pad is indeed compatible with most vehicle types. 

Pros 

• Easy to install 
• Excellent sheerness 
• Small noise level 
• Good instructions for beginners 
• Reasonable price 

Cons 

• Not very durable 
• Not for all vehicle 

Wagner QuickStop Z1444 Pad set will not cost you more than 30 minutes to install the brake. And it is the biggest plus of this set.    

#8 Best for Application: ACDelco 17D1367CH Professional Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pad Set

Are you looking for the best car brakes with an excellent application? If you are, I suggest that you should consider the ACDelco 17D1367CH front disc brake pad set. With the three basic formulas of ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic, this brake set is reliable and safe for a wide range of vehicle applications. 

In terms of quality, this brake set passed the SAE J2784 test for assurance of quality. In other words, it is proved to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. Every small detail in this brake set is for optimal performance, including stamped backing plate, slots, and even chamfer. 

However, what I like most about this brake set is the integrally molded design. It is the unique design that makes the robust construction for the brake. However, it is not simple for a beginner to install. 

Pros 

• Recognized quality 
• No noise, vibration or harshness 
• Thoughtfully made 

Cons 

• Difficult to install 

ACDelco 17D1367CH front disc brake pad set is ideal for traveling around the city and nearby provinces.   

#9 Most Reviewed: Bosch BC905 QuietCast Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad

And the last device in my list of the best car brakes is the Bosch BC905 Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad. Bosch is one of the most famous brands among car brakes. And its device of BC905 has received thousands of compliments from thousands of customers all over the world. 

The first reason for its popularity, I think, is the reasonable price. It is only more expensive than the cheapest device on my list. And the second reason is it has excellent value for the price. The rubber core shim is the most significant difference in this device; it allows the pads to run quietly and firmly. 

Moreover, the advanced ceramic friction formula is the unique technology that makes the pads more robust and healthier. However, it comes with no install instruction for newbies to follow.  

Pros 

• Solid construction 
• Premium-quality material 
• Durable and strong 
• Quiet operation 
• Reasonable price 

Cons 

• Difficult to install 

Although Bosch BC905 Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad has good quality and smooth operation, you need to take it to the garage for installation. 

Features to Consider When Buying the Best Car Brakes 

Below are some features that you should carefully consider when buying the best car brakes: 

1. Types

There are four common types of brake pads that you can select: 

1.1 Ceramic 

Ceramic is the latest and also the most expensive material for the brake pad. It is the best choice for superb stopping power, low brake dust, quiet operation, and superior longevity. You should choose this material if you often have to drive on the highway or drive under adverse weather conditions. 

1.2 Semi-metallic 

Semi-metallic is a combination of metal and non-metal materials that consists of 30% to 60% metal materials, including iron, copper, or steel. And the last part is a mineral filter, which will work as a binding agent. 

The semi-metallic pads are durable, and they often come with excellent heat dissipation and stopping power. However, it is much noisier and dusty than the ceramic pads. And that is why the semi-metallic pads are the most reasonable in my list. 

1.3 Fully-metallic Pads 

The fully-metallic brake pad is the full-metal pad, which is more reliable and stable than the semi-metallic one. Since it is all metal, it could deliver smooth, reliable, and potent stopping power. Hence, it is ideal for rough street or track use. However, the metal material could also wear your rotors quicker than the two previous materials. 

1.3 Non-asbestos Organic Pads 

NAO brake pads are made of organic material, so they are more environmentally-friendly than all the three above materials. The biggest plus of this material is softness – it is softer, smoother, and easier on your rotors and brake discs. However, it often wears out quicker and can produce more dust. 

Therefore, you should not use this pad when you have to drive on a hard road or highway or heavy breaking. It is more suitable for driving in the city or short journeys. 

2. Operating Temperature 

The operating temperature will decide the durability and the performance of the brakes. It is also relevant to the durability of the engine. And of course, the best car brakes have to come with the best operating temperature. 

The most common average temperature of your brake is up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. And the average temperature of your pads and rotors soaring near 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. If your data is more than this data, it is time to take a look at your old brakes. 

3. Application and Installation

One crucial factor to help you decide if a brake is the best car brakes for you or not is the application. As mentioned, the best car brakes are the most suitable one which is compatible with your car. Hence, my suggestion is you should choose the brakes based on your driving style and requirements. 

For example, if you often have to drive on a highway or far distance, you should invest in ceramic brake pads. However, even NAO is as expensive as a ceramic pad; it is only suitable for lighter economy cars for light commuting duties. 

Besides, the best car brakes must come with the most straightforward installation systems. And it means that our brake set should come with all necessary accessories, including shims and pads, installation tools and hardware.

4. Noise Level and Dust Build Up 

Do you know what the easiest way to check out the situation of your brake is? Let’s pay attention to the noise. The old and worn brakes often deliver weird and annoying squealing. However, some new brakes can also deliver the same noise. And your job is to stay away from these brakes. 

As mentioned, the ceramic is the quietest material. Meanwhile, the fully-metallic material is the noisiest one. Besides, brakes come from different brands that can deliver different noise levels because of the manufacturer’s unique technology. 

On the other hand, dust buildup is an essential factor that you should consider. If you don’t have time to clean the brake dust regularly, you should pay more money on the ceramic brake. Other materials tend to deliver more dust than ceramic. And if you don’t clean it, it could lead to brake stuck and danger for your driving. 

FAQs 

1. What are the best car brakes: ceramic or metallic brakes? 

Each of them has both pros and cons. For example, the ceramic is good at handling the higher brake temperature, recovering faster, and generating less dust. Therefore, it runs quieter and cleaner. However, the metallic brakes come with an excellent grip in winter. Metallic is also easier on rotors than ceramic pads, and it is less expensive. 

2. Are expensive brakes the best car brakes? 

In most of the case, the more expensive the brakes, the better performance they can deliver. The premium brakes can improve the stopping power and decrease brake fade. For many drivers, the expensive brakes like Power Stop can leave a more precise and smoother braking experience. 

3. How long do the best car brakes last? 

The ideal distance for a front brake pad is about 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, based on your driving skill, your car model, and your brakes’ quality, it could last longer or sooner. In this case, I can say that the smallest distance for a brake is about 25,000 miles, and the most significant distance is about 70,000 miles. You should carefully check the signs to know when you need to replace it. 

4. How much does the best car brakes cost you? 

The brakes come with a wide range of prices. As you can see from my list above, the cheapest brake on my list is around $20, and the most expensive one can cost you around $400. It depends on your requirements and your budget. The best car brakes are not the most expensive but the most suitable for your financial and car situation. 

Final Picks 

Above is all information I want to share with you about the best car brakes. With my list of 9 best devices and the clear buying guides, I hope that you could understand more about the car brakes and how to choose the best car brakes for your vehicle. 

If you have a full budget, the Power Stop is always the first choice. You can consider choosing Power Stop Z26-1405, Power Stop K6268-36 Z36, or Power Stop K137. They are all premium-quality devices that could keep you safe on the road. 

However, if your budget is limited, I recommend the Wagner QuickStop ZD1275 or the Bosch BC905. They are two famous devices that have received thousands of compliments from customers. Good luck with your choice, and have a safe drive! 

DIY Corner: How to Replace Car Brake RIGHT WAY!

source https://automotivegearz.com/best-car-brakes/